Live: The Answer @ Academy 2

The Answer
Academy 2
13 March
4 stars

Addressing a sea of comb-overs, wrangles and leather jackets, The Answer have certainly found favour amongst rock’s old guard, providing many with music like “they just don’t make anymore”. Although an appreciative and dedicated audience, for those of us under 45, the gig’s atmosphere was somewhat lacking for a band with such energy and passion. Despite this, frontman Cormac Neeson did his up-most to ignite the crowd, using every ounce of his Irish charm.

With a lengthy set from support act The Union, fans were treated to one of today’s finest classic rock acts. Playing a healthy mix from their three studio albums, there’s no doubt that these guys can write a good rock song – and I don’t just mean some rehashed 70’s rubbish. It is with some reluctance that I mention the Led Zep connection because these guys are great in their own right, but don’t get me wrong – sounding a bit like Led Zeppelin isn’t a bad thing!

Now, I’ve been to enough Deep Purple gigs to know this genre of music is unlikely to make a mainstream revival and restore rock back to the glory days of the late 60’s/early 70’s. What The Answer do bring however, is the spirit, charisma and determination to bring a much loved sound to those who are crying out for new bands to emulate the iconic bands and save guitar music from the pits of limp wristed acts like The Vaccines. Each individual member is crucial, with Cormac and Paul Mahon dazzling audiences with amazing vocals and good old fashioned guitar wizardry. It’s the rhythm section, however, that really propels the band along, with Bonham-esque fills and pumping bass lines giving the band a sound much bigger than one would expect from such a simple line-up.

The Answer’s talent and song-writing are unquestionable. Whether they can branch out to a younger audience still remains to be seen.

The Answer – Comfort Zone