Danish band Skagarack have been off the map for decades, but return in 2023 with a sound that’s more nostalgic than classic.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Skagarack
ALBUM: Heart And Soul
LABEL: Thunderstruck Productions (TSP)
SERIAL: TSP58160820
YEAR: 2023
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Denmark
LINEUP: Torben Schmidt – vocals, bass, keyboards * Jan Petersen – guitars * Dennis Pedersen, Lars Daugaard, Mattias IA Eklundh – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Give It * 02 Peace Of Mind (To Have A Good Time) * 03 A Cool Damn Car * 04 Heart And Soul * 05 Talkin’ Bout Jesus * 06 Changing * 07 Cool To Be Old School * 08 Be With You Forever * 09 Where Have You Been * 10 Ain’t Got Nothing To Lose * 11 So Right * 12 Anymore
RATING: 60/100
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Danish band Skagarack have been off the map for decades, but return in 2023 with a sound that’s more nostalgic than classic. I’d seen online reports that Torben Schmidt was keeping the band alive in spirit, and releasing the odd single on occasion around about 2020, but did not expect to see a full blown album out in the public domain three years later.
If one remembers, Skagarack played a racy brand of AOR back in the late great 80’s, but you’ll hear none of that this time around. Instead they are gracefully treading down the classic rock footpath currently occupied by the likes of FM (UK) and previously by Bad Company. There are blues laden pieces that you’ve heard a thousand times before from other artists, but here it’s given a sweet Danish refurbish.
The Songs
Five of the songs collected here were previously released as singles between 2020 and 2022 (Give It, Peace Of Mind (To Have A Good Time), Heart And Soul, Changing, and Be With You Forever). A sixth single ‘Reclaim Your Life’ did not make the final twelve. As mentioned, Skagarack deliver a set of bluesy classic rockers with the odd intrusion of a ballad here and there. Personally, I didn’t find these tunes particularly interesting, with the oft quoted mantra ‘heard it all before’ standing out for me. For others, your mileage may vary.
In Summary
Certainly surprising to Skagarack back, but I’m highly unsure that this album is going to point significant headlights in their direction considering the very apathetic nature of the current music industry and the short attention span of its listeners.
Skagarack on Video
Give It
Heart And Soul (Live)
