Vandenberg’s Moonkings return with their first new studio album in four years.
MKII is the hard rocking quartet’s sophomore album and was recorded in parts at Wisseloord Studio in Hilversum, Holland and produced by Vandenberg himself.
As his fans would want and expect, Adrian Vandenberg’s blistering guitar playing runs deeply throughout the course of the album.
We all know that Adrian plays classic rock very well, but with this album, there are also some funkier elements which shine through particularly on tracks like “Reputation” and “All or Nothing”. The latter of which features some almost Hendrix-esque “Foxey Lady” style guitar licks in places.
On the other hand, Vandenberg exhibits a display of guitar mastery during “If You Can’t Handle The Heat”, he truly lets loose. The number also features undertones of Led Zeppelin’s in places and is one of the many stand out tracks on the album.
Vandenberg regards Sem Christoffel and drummer Mart Nijen Es as “the best rhythm section I ever had the pleasure of working with” and judging by the strength of their partnership on “The Fire” it’s easy to see why.
In Jan Hoving, Vandenberg has found a phenomenal frontman, who in places has a voice which is reminiscent of David Coverdale himself.
Tracks like “Angel In Black”, “The Fire” and “What Doesn’t Kill You” have a distinctively Whitesnake feel to them and will inevitably take the listener to classic rock heaven. Had Vandenberg’s songwriting partnership with Coverdale continued you can almost imagine it would have sounded something quite like this. These songs are incredibly infectious rock numbers, but with a contemporary twist.
With this the band’s sophomore record there are no signs of any second album syndrome. In fact, they have returned stronger and tighter than before.
MKII by Vandenberg’s Moonkings is out now via Mascot Label Group. The band will also be performing at Camden Underworld in London on Saturday 17th February in support of their new release.
Vandenberg’s Moonkings
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