SNAKECHARMER – Second Skin (Album Review)

Snakecharmer are a British hard rock supergroup that was originally founded in 2011 by former Whitesnake/David Coverdale members Micky Moody and Neil Murray along with musicians including Laurie Wisefield (Wishbone Ash), Harry James (Thunder) Adam Wakeman and Chris Ousey (Heartland).

The band’s debut self-titled debut album was released in 2013 and musically is hard rock style mixed with blues and melody and reminds you of Bad Company and Foreigner. Snakecharmer played live shows regularly in support of the debut album’s release and built a solid fanbase in the UK and Europe. In 2016, Moody left the band and was replaced by the Irish-born Simon McBride on lead guitar.

Snakecharmer released their second album, Second Skin, on May 12th, 2017 through Frontiers Music Srl so as a massive fan of all things from this label I am really excited. The hotly anticipated second effort from Snakecharmer is touted to sound like classic hard rock with some AOR. So after discovering this band on their first album and being very impressed, I am looking forward to hearing and reviewing Second Skin.

The album opens with “Sounds Like A Plan” and it’s a great opener. A real classic British rock feel to it and would be great show opener too.“That Kind Of Love” follows and has some great vocal work and harmonies and well as a solid rock groove.

“Are You Ready To Fly” is very reminiscent of 70’s classic rock with a sound that is typical of that era. “Follow Me Under” has a fantastic riff running through it and has your fist pumping the air I can’t say enough good things about the vocal work so far.

“I’ll Take You As You Are” slows things down a little but does build up in the chorus and provides a really nice tempo change for the album. “Hell Of A Way To Live” gets us rockin’ again and if you like Bad Company you will love this one! A really catchy number.

“Fade Away” is another lovely ballad which cannot be faulted musically or lyrically. “Dress It Up” has a really great feel to it which gets your hips shaking and trying to hit the high notes alongside Chris Ousey.

“Punching Above My Weight” is a great acoustic number in the vein of the band Thunder which is always good. “Forgive & Forget” is a real blues rock number which has you tapping your feet right along. We finish up with “Where Do We Go From Here”, a great way to finish the album and another sure to be classic.

If you like blues rock this is definitely an album for you! Bands like Thunder or Bad Company, if that’s your thing, go and get Snakecharmer‘s Second Skin now!

Mark 9 out of 10

Colin “Starchild” Francis

BUY: SECOND SKIN