Review: Leaf Hound have been a staple of the heavy rock scene for decades, but this offering feels like a rebirth. A band often heralded as the pioneers of metal, their journey started in the early 70s, but it's their ability to keep evolving that stands out here. More than 50 years since their debut, the London-based band is back with their first studio album in over 15 years. And while many might think you can't teach an old dog new tricks, Leaf Hound have a few surprises left. The opening track, 'Burn The House Down,' feels like the start of a fire that only gets hotter as the album progresses. The kind of heavy, groovy riff that gives you a sense of nostalgia for the glory days of stoner rock, it's clear that the band still has that bite. As you hit the upbeat 'Yippee Ki Yay' and the harder-hitting 'Bold 'n' Easy,' it's impossible to ignore the fire in their belly. Sure, the lineup has changed over the years, but with Peter French still at the helm, the powerful vocals that originally defined Leaf Hound continue to ring out loud and clear. By the time you get to tracks like 'Thought Police' and 'Watching Life's Wheels,' the album begins to speak to the turbulent times we live in. There's no pretension here - just hard-hitting rock for hard-hitting times. Closing with the anthemic 'High Danger,' it's evident that Leaf Hound still have a lot to say and are far from fading away into obscurity.
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