It almost sounds like a mantra. Which band doesn't say today that they were inspired by the pandemic that hit the world in 2020 to write their new album? Hard rock veterans Uriah Heep are (unfortunately!) no exception to the rule for the release of their twenty-fifth album, as Mick Box, the only survivor of the original line-up, says that the title of the album reflects this chaotic period, and Dave Rimmer, co-writer with Jeff Scott Soto of the first single, 'Save Me Tonight', says that the song was born out of a "sense of frustration and helplessness in the last couple of years.
Fortunately, in their 53-year career, the Brits have seen it all, and a little pandemic isn't going to break their spirit. Far from the maudlin albums inspired by this deplorable context, "Chaos & Colour" is a warm and vibrant record like all its predecessors. The listener is caught from the start by the pairing 'Save Me Tonight'/'Silver Sunlight', direct, catchy and giving furiously the desire to tap your foot. Uriah Heep fully assumes his status of Hard Rock legend and proves that the passing years have no hold on him. The album is globally energetic and when the tempo calms down, the musicians don't confuse softness with flabbiness.
"Chaos & Colour" has all the markers of the band: always catchy compositions, sometimes very direct like the two titles mentioned above or the hectic 'Closer to Your Dreams' which closes the album, sometimes more elaborated on the longest tracks, flirting with the progressive ('You'll Never Be Alone'), luxuriant vocal harmonies, and the duels on each title or almost between the guitar and the Hammond organ (blessed be!) in short but tasty soli.
It's hard to find faults in this record: everything works, the composition, the interpretation, the keyboard and guitar soli (and even the bass on 'Freedom to Be Free'), the rhythmic accompaniment (big presence of the drums and a humming bass), the vocals, powerful but never too demonstrative of Bernie Shaw, perfect. Certainly, Uriah Heep does Uriah Heep, but the band does not really show its age. Everything is in place, professional, convincing. Very good old fashioned hard rock.