Album Review: Laurence Jones – Destination Unknown (Marshall Records)

Laurence Jones has previously been hailed as a visionary in his writing of blues rock. However, following the pandemic and a change in the guard in his professional band, Laurence has written his most rock album to date. Called ‘Destination Unknown’, the album is set for a September 9th release via Marshall Records.

The adage of ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’ should never apply when it comes to music. If an artist wants to experiment, expand, or deviate from the path that made them a household name, they should be cheered from the rafters. After all, they’re the ones taking the risk when it comes to their fanbase.

This applies to Laurence Jones in some respects. While rock has always been an important element of his sound, he made a name for himself in the world of blues. So, to abandon that aspect in favour of something rooted completely in rock is risky. The question is if it’s a risk that pays off.

From the start, there’s a good feeling that it does. Anywhere With Me, Can’t Keep from Loving You and Give Me That Feeling delivering anthemic slices of groovy rock fun. The classic guitar riffs, the punchy soloing and Jones’ powerful vocals make each track as enjoyable as the last and each track foot-tapping gold.

…and that’s just the start!

With Gave It All Away, Jones showcases a bit more melody with starry sounding keys which help give this one a real 80’s pop feel. A very catchy and smile inducing track. Whereas Tonight is mellow, heartfelt, and sweet sounding. A rock ballad with bursts of energy ending in an impressive meshing of instrumental noise.

It’s back to something more straight-forward but still thoroughly enjoyable with I Won’t Lie Again. Before Jones hits his melodramatic stride with Holding Back and follows that up with a trio of bangers that serve to relight the fire. In Too Deep, Said and Done, and the title track. Three awesome examples of how talented Laurence Jones is and while blues might have been his calling, he’s not too bad at this rock thing either.

Laurence Jones – Destination Unknown Full Track Listing:

1. Anywhere With Me
2. Can’t Keep from Loving You
3. Give Me That Feeling
4. Gave It All Away
5. Tonight
6. I Won’t Lie Again
7. Holding Back
8. In Too Deep
9. Said and Done
10. Destination Unknown

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