Reviewed by Andy Long

The first time I heard the title track of this album I was standing on a pavement in Bute Town in Cardiff where Simon Law and this latest trimmed down line up of Fresh Claim were playing an open air gig. That's not particularly relevant, but nevertheless true. Previous FC offerings have always had a bit of a funk element, but Simon has always been a blues rocker at heart and new bassist Greg Nash and drummer Matt Wallace share similar tastes so "Broken" comes over as a real stripped down, gutsy, no-nonsense blues album with not one but two "I woke up this morning" songs as well as the obligatory jam to close. A couple of old songs have been included amongst the new compositions notably "Driving Through The Rain", a sharp, fast-change shuffle and "Morning Ashtray Blues", a classic slow and sorrowful number with some of Simon's best ever guitar work. Newer songs include the rocker "Defiled", with its Hendrix-like pentatonic riff and Greg Nash's composition "The Pillar Sways". CD buyers also get the bonus track "Wayfaring Stranger". 'Broken' is surely the album that Simon Law has always been capable of, a real treat for classic rock fans. My only complaint is that it is too short, but in fairness I think that's reflected in the price.

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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