TRACER / SPACES IN BETWEEN (2011)

Tracer is a rock band and they are hailing from Adelaide, South Australia. The band was formed by Michael Brown (vocals, guitar), Leigh Brown (vocals, bass) and Andre Wise (drums) in 2004. During the following years, the trio foud success with two independent releases; two international tours, including support slots for Little Red, Children Collide, The John Steel Singers and Cassette Kids; and most recently, a record contract with highly respected Dutch label Mascot Records. So, nowadays, the band is ready to blow us with their new album called "Spaces In Between" which will be released in October 2011.

Tracer sound is somewhere between stoner rock, 70's classic rock sound with a strong dose of modern rock stuff! The album starts with "Too Much". A very rhythmic in-your-face tune with some really aggressive guitars and a 70's classic rock feeling. A really impressive start! "Push" comes next and this time the band is showing a groovier side. The guitar work here is excellent! "Walk Alone" is another 70's coloured track with a 'darker' mood. "Louder Than This" is a typical stone rock track. The highlight here is the vocal lines by Michael Brown. So far, I have to say that I'm really impressed by this guy's vocal skills. Back to some rockier rhythms with "Devil Ride". A 'clever' riff, Michael's passionate performances and when it comes to the chorus this song kick some serious asses! One of my personal favourite from "Spaces In Between".
"The Bitch" is overall a good one while in "Voice In The Rain" we have a slower but very melodic tune. Another highlight from the new album. The self-titled track, "Spaces In Between", is brilliant! Inspired guitar work, a tight bass line and a memorable chorus that make you whispering it for days! "Dead Inside" could easily be the starter song for Tracer's live performances! It's a hard hittin' song that gets slower somewhere in the middle and then comes Michael Brown's shouting to leave us hungry for more! "Save My Breath" has a nice groove in it and "All In My Head" has a really beautiful melody and a huge guitar work! At the end the album closes with "Won't Let It Die(Run Mary)". This is a fantastic rockin' song with a strong dose of blues in it. Brilliant just brilliant stuff!

Overall, this is an extremely interesting release. This band 'has it'! Yes, they have the songs, an excellent frontman, the arrangements are all well-crafted, the performances are passionate and most of all they put heart and soul on every single moment of this record. Well done!

HeavyParadise's Rating : 8/10

TRACK LIST : 1.TOO MUCH, 2.PUSH, 3.WALK ALONE, 4.LOUDER THAN THIS, 5.DEVIL RIDE, 6.BITCH, 7.VOICE IN THE RAIN, 8.SPACES IN BETWEEN, 9.DEAD INSIDE, 10.SAVE MY BREATH, 11.ALL IN MY HEAD, 12.WON'T LET IT DIE(RUN MARY)