Album Review: Herman Rarebell - Nip In The Bud (1981/2021 Hard Rock)

Did you know that Herman Rarebell (the longtime former drummer of The Scorpions) recorded a solo record 40 years ago ? Neither did I. The bigger was the fun of having the chance to listen to this gem in a remastered version of "Nip In The Bud" now.

The artwork was created by Storm Thorgerson’s team at Hipgnosis.

The sound on the album sticks to a compact yet pressure-filled structure. From the eleven tracks on offer "Rock your all" stands out with it's broken riff structures. It's a typical rocker going straight but the riffs present it a ear-splitting way. What a wild song!

"Triangle" follows on this route. It's a more rhythm-oriented number with drums being dominant and the guitar following a shredding way. The last third plays with effects. You won't get this out of your head too fast once listented to it.

"Slob" presents a wild and vicious voice rocking out a similar way Brian Johnson does in AC/DC. The instrumental side is more of a slightly inconstant drum pattern mixed with a direct riff attack. 

The journey continues with more of this. "Junk Funk" comes around put together in a jam session. You can feel the spontaneous vibe of the moment it may have been created. I love to hear such elements - it's hardly ever spotable on albums.

A typical stomper follows. This may be a track a bit closer to typical Scorpions songwriting so it's food that appeals to more people. It's still rude enough so don't think of any commercial song in here.

Track nine introduces more riff-fun all the way. I think it may have been done the direct and fast way, too. It's a no-pain track in three minutes duration spreading fun all the way.

Finally it's time to listen to "I'll say goodbye". As the name suggests it comes with a more hymm like format. It's not in a sad way. It's more of remembering good times in a "glad to have had it" style. The fade out keeps hope for a continue some other day.  

The remastered version will be available through Aviator Management on August 27th 2021. A pre-save link for the album is also available if you want to have it in your digital collection the day it comes out. Have a little pre-listen with the single "Rock you all" and keep in contact with Herman Rarebell through Facebook.