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CALIBRE 12 - IT IS WHAT IT IS (2022)

Finally some discographic news from the Touraine group which had a lot of merit in continuing courageously after the death of its leader Southern John.

But these brilliant musicians did not give up and persisted in the path of rock'n'roll. Their latest album is a blazing CD that leaves the listener in awe.

Caliber 12 has always been a guitar band but this is really strong. Powerful riffs, raging six-strings, huge sound (a special mention for the sound recording).

Fans will be immediately surprised because the lyrics are in English, but Chris Fink's voice (vocals/guitar) is quite believable in Shakespeare's language because he has no Frenchy accent (unlike the vast majority of French singers who speak English). This choice is undoubtedly motivated by the desire to reach a wider audience because it is unfortunately true that rock in French has difficulty in being exported beyond the borders of France.

In compact formation (two guitarists, a bass player and a drummer), Caliber 12 offers us a breathtaking record.

From the start of "Ride the horizon", we know where we are going with an intro and choruses reminiscent of 38 Special as well as excellent solos.

It continues with "57's boogie", a furious and energetic boogie in Southern style and harmonized guitars à la Molly Hatchet (like "Whiskey man").

The good rock "Cold beer and hot chicks" makes you tap your feet with unbridled solos. Indeed, cold beer and hot girls are a good way to chase away the blues.

Another scent from the South on "Running my life insane", an effective rock with inspired guitars that throw southern solos to perfection. This track is reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd, go figure why!

Also noteworthy are "The graybar hotel" (a mid-tempo rock with six-string harmony), the nasty solos of "Here they come" and the effective slide on tracks "Drifting thoughts" and "Guitar freak".

The album ends with the beautiful ballad "It is what it is", enhanced with delicate slide and emotional guitar.

Frankly, there is nothing to say. The rhythm section is impressively cohesive and powerful. The two guitarists Chris and Jean-Marie compete with infernal solos and make their guitars smoke. The production is impeccable and the sound faultless. What more ?

And then, the song "Ride the horizon" has all the assets to create surprise in England and everywhere in Europe where we appreciate good music. And maybe even in the U.S.A., who knows? Because Caliber 12's latest album really sounds like an American record. And that is the mark of the greats.

Good job guys !

Somewhere in the cosmic vastness, Southern John smiles.

Olivier Aubry
Translation Y. Philippot-Degand