This album was something of surprise for me. With the new WINGER CD having just been released, I was surprised and intrigued about this new project featuring none other then Kip Winger himself (along with brother Nate Winger and childhood friend Peter Fletcher). After finding out a little more about it I come to learn this band is actually not a new project at all.

BLACKWOOD CREEK was started back in 1969 when Kip (at the tender age of 7) and Nate met Fletcher and they started the band. Each member eventually went their separate ways and did other projects but now they have decided to bring the BLACKWOOD CREEK name front-and-center and release an album in 2009. The songs are newly recorded over the last couple years and the style is straight ahead rock with a classic rock vibe. The music can’t really be compared to WINGER at all and that is a good thing because what would the point really be?

The album opens with “Out In Outer Space” and its up-tempo drumming and classic rock riffing as Kip chimes in with his usual solid vocal. The song features a nice hook and chorus but retains an aggressive attitude and is a cool beginning to the record. Track number two, “Nothing But The Sun”, is a mid-paced melodic number with some nice harmony vocals tying its classic rock feel all together.

“Your Revolution” is an early fave of mine with its classic rock sound and AOR undertones. Another great vocal from Kip and more great harmonies elevate the song also.

“Dead Stung” seems to bring a mild modern vibe but still retains a slight melodic feel with the hook; try as it might, this song never seems to ignite for me though. One thing is for sure and that is many of the songs seem to be based on simple guitar riffs, which is why I make that classic rock comparison so much.

“After Your Heart” is an acoustic-based number which reminds me of “Give A Little Bit” from SUPERTRAMP with its acoustic strumming and “light and airy” feel. The following track “Albatross” brings more acoustic accompaniment but with electric guitars thrown on top of a trudging tempo. The song seems to never pick itself up and therefore just kind of exists; same thing for the next track “Jimmy And Georgia”.

“Rack Of Greed” brings things back to speed with its more up-tempo sound and introduces a more 80’s sounding guitar riff to the proceedings. It is not that far from the sound of a band like KIX. A solid rocker but at just 2:52 it gets the job done and is quickly finished!

“Love Inspector” sounds like KISS complete with cheesy Gene Simmons lyrics being sung by a horse-throated Paul Stanley! Not sure about this song at all as it just doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the material on hand.

The record ends with the riff-based “Joy Ride” and then epic “Wooden Shoe”, which reminds me a little of YES throughout with its acoustics and vocal arrangement. The song is a decent retro-sounding number with an almost 60’s vibe wrapped up with a more current chorus.

All in all BLACKWOOD CREEK is a decent one to add to the collection if you are a Kip Winger fan or fan of the classic rock sound. Maybe not destined to be a classic but it’s done decently and the production is warm and pleasant too.