Album Review by Kris Griffiths
ONLY BLEEDING is Pete Berwick’s fourth album in a seasoned career spanning twenty odd years. With his unique hybrid style he has performed all over America and has even appeared in several music videos and movies. A variety of influences and genres are squeezed into his latest album including old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, country and punk rock. Most of the songs contain instantly catchy hooks and grooves, and the lyrics purveyed with a distinctive gravely vocal style. With subject matter focussing on love, dreams and drugs, there is a heartfelt honesty imbued in all twelve of the album’s tracks.
From the raw rockin’ of opening tune MUST THINK SHE LOVES ME and NUCLEAR BOY, one can clearly discern the production and musicianship that has been ploughed into making this record. Indeed Berwick has brought together an impressive band of musicians for the project. The acoustic guitar led melancholy of the title track provides a welcome gentleness at the heart of the album. My personal favourite is the last track, STANDING AT THE GATES OF HELL. With its witty lyrics and heavy rock ‘n’ roll groove, it plays out the record in style. On the evidence of ONLY BLEEDING, it is clear that Berwick is a true rock ‘n’ roll survivor and he should continue to survive for many years to come.
