Never Never
Tribute
[Independent]
Never Never has been around
cranking out music both original and
cover for nearly a decade and a half. And
when something has lasted that long,
there must be a reason. Not that it has
been smooth sailing. (Does any band or
for that matter any group of people exist in
perfect harmony?) Kevin Settles can tell
you the exact number of guitarists, bass
players and drummers that have been
involved in the project. However, they
finally seem to have arrived at the
magic configuration
Tribute is the latest Never Never release. It pays homage to one of the things the
band does so well which is cover other artists' material with a fresh approach (and
sometimes better playing that the original band!) The current lineup of Never Never
recorded here live is John Thomakos on drums, Angelo “AJ” Cammarata on bass and
backing vocals, Kevin “Spike” Settles on guitar and lead vocals, and the local guitar
wizard Ronnie Zebron on guitar and backing vocals.
Anyone who knows the local scene knows that Never Never’s forte is Led
Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Thus, the band decided to release an album of what scores
of fans come out week after week to hear; the songs that they know and love, and Never
Never delivers so well. Zep and Sabbath are covered here as well as early Van Halen
and an old Willie Dixon blues tune.
If you have never seen Never Never live this CD will give you a good idea of
what one of their shows is like—high energy, rocking and totally entertaining. These
guys know how to have a good time and they have been doing this so long together that
they practically breathe in unison. The songs represented here are tight and loose at the
same time. The entire band a seemingly amorphous single unit.
Everyone who listens to this CD will have their own personal faves depending on
which of the aforementioned bands they like best. However, let me go out on a limb and
say that my two favorites are “Heartbreaker” by Led Zeppelin and “Atomic Punk” off
of the first Van Halen album. Never Never has been covering Led Zeppelin expertly for
so long that I swear they do it better than Page and Plant. In fact, compare Ronnie’s
guitar solo and I think you’ll agree that it is clearer, cleaner and yes, just plain better
than Page’s. And the jaw-dropping playing on “Atomic Punk” will floor you. No matter
how many times you play this track or listen to them do this live, it will blow you away.
Yes, this is a CD of covers, but believe me, you will not be disappointed. If you
are interested in Never Never original music, check out their other fine CDs. If you are
in mood to just have a rocking good time pick up this CD or come on out and check
Never Never out in person. See ya there!!
-Kat Dickinson
Music Monthly
July 2001