Gasoline 2023

Ever since the mid-'90s, that Glenn Hughes has been one busy gentleman. After sorting out his personal life, Hughes returned to recording and touring like a man possessed as he began cranking out album after album in a short period of time – including 2003's Songs in the Key of Rock. And for those who thought that Hughes may begin mellowing after the aforementioned "downtime," the rip-roaring album opener, "In My Blood" (in which Hughes sounds quite a bit like ex-Deep Purple bandmate David Coverdale) will silence any doubters. Also included is a tribute to Hughes' old pal John Bonham on "Higher Places (Song for Bonzo)," as well as a song that sounds like the spitting image of Bonham's band, "Get You Stoned." Vocal-wise, Hughes sounds stronger than ever on Songs in the Key of Rock – something that can't be said for some of his lead singer peers from the same classic rock era.

This album was recorded in the Kunstraum Syltquelle on the Northern German Island Sylt. It is the first part of a trilogy inspired by the many car travels that Spyra has to do when he drives to concert venues or sonic art exhibitions. Some compositions are slow, yet they have a certain rhythm. Others have quite fast rhythms, performed with powerful sequencers. The percussion also has an important role. The composer proves his great imagination by creating a warm electronic music. The use of synthesizers enhances the sensual atmospheres that appear in some of the compositions.