Reviewed by Peter Bate

The Boot Brothers' debut recording 'Name Of The Game' received a three square review back in CR17. Since then the brothers (plus new bassist Steve Clarke) have grown in competence, making performances at Kingston and Crossfire festivals before recording 'Crystal Tears'. Yet, on the evidence of this album, permeated by different rock and pop stylings, the band have still to arrive at a sound that they can call their own. To be sure, Joe Boot is a very gifted guitarist (his wah-wah break on "If God Is For Us" is inspired), but a ruthless producer is needed to cut solos down to size and generally create a crisper, more consistent sound. Maybe the funk rock tendencies of "Gold", "Charade" and "Alright" could be exploited to lend the band identity and that necessary edge. No doubt the Boot Brothers are effective in a live setting, but studio-wise a deal of honing is still needed.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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