The Winery Dogs self-titled debut album arrived back in 2013 to little fanfare – it was (yet) another side project for the hardest working man in music, the ridiculously prolific Mike Portnoy. Partnering with bass guitar legend Billy Sheehan and Mr Big (amongst others) guitarist Richie Kotzen, it became the latest “supergroup” to attempt to charm us with their wares. Winery Dogs debut was nothing if not efficient and, at times occasionally inspired, hard rock with a blues edge and infectious sense of melody. This should have hardly been a surprise, given the extensive CVs of the main protagonists; what really did surprise was how easy and effortless this all was, suggesting that the artists had found a common bond and sense of purpose whilst working in the studio.
Suspicions that The Winery Dogs do indeed have “legs” is confirmed by the arrival of Hot Streak (earMUSIC) a second dose of Winery songcraft and it’s every bit as good as it predecessor: in fact, the broadening of its styles and the accomplishment of its execution means it surpasses the charms of the debut.
There is a 1980s rock sensibility running through much of Hot Streak but it’s probably most noticeable on the catchy ‘Captain Love’ which sounds like an outtake from Van Halen’s 5150 (Warner). It’s got a tongue in cheek set of lyrics and a lightweight, don’t-take-this-all-too-seriously mentality which probably means that it’s going to be something of a live favourite.
Hot Streak is not an 80s pastiche though. Much of the record sounds like it was conjured live in the studio with each musician taking the lead at various points and then bandmates joining in with chords, choruses and licks as needed, though nowhere near as clunky as my writing would suggest. Far from it; there is a lightness and warmth to how the songs come together and it’s all done, as you would expect, professionally and with several tonnes of gusto. The highlight of the album is the brilliant ‘Fire; which has a haunting melody, gossamer light chord progression and a real, instant sense of belonging and heart.
What these Dogs do is not fantastically original or groundbreaking but things don’t always need to be fantastically original or groundbreaking. Hot Streak is a step up from the debut, and a solid rock album played wonderfully well; it has charm and warmth and is very welcome round my way.
7.0/10
MAT DAVIES