Back with their second album, this supergroup trio shows no signs whatsoever of slowing down and have produced a modern melodic rock number influenced by prog which is not only commercial but an absolute belter! Just listen to “Can’t Live Like This”, which in some ways is designed for rock radio and in other ways is designed to make your brain melt and dribble out your ears. The line-up is again guitarist Ian Crichton (Saga), drummer Nigel Glockler (Saxon) and multi-instrumentalist and singer Robert Berry (3.2), and they have brought together their shared experiences to yet again produce something which is quite remarkable.
One would never guess that for the best part of 40 years Glockler has been the man behind the metal powerhouse which is Saxon, as here he provides much more finesse and demonstrates why he was chosen by Steve Howe to join a reformed GTR. Crichton allows himself to provide more crunch that he normally does when in Saga, and then at the front you have Berry who is a great singer, true multi-instrumentalist who is much in demand as a producer. I have long been fan of Robert’s work, both as a solo artist and in his many projects, and Six By Six has really allowed him to build on the recognition he gained with the 3.2 recordings and put him back where he belongs, under the spotlight.
There is a real depth within this album which can be missing from melodic rock at times, a passion and honesty and an understanding that one never knows quite where the music is going to go next as the trio follows the muse as opposed to staying within any preconceived notion of what they should be doing. Here we have three guys working together on music and letting it take them where it will, and the result is all the better for it. I loved the debut, and there is no doubt the guys have continued in the vein with the “difficult” second album, and long may it continue.
