This Canadian band’s debut EP I reviewed back at the start of the Classic Rock Newswire back in 2002. Since then Uncle Sid have changed vocalists and Wolf is the new man behind the mic stand. Boy has he changed the band’s sound!

Nearest comparison would be maybe Love Hate’s Jizzy Pearl - a big, powerful gritty sound. Opener ‘Break’n Free’ could be Foghat on speed! Uncle Sid do tip a big nod to the classic 70’s rock, just listen to ‘Phoenix Rising’ which could easily be fellow Canadians Triumph in their 70’s/early 80’s era.

Check out the guitar solos as well - never OTT but stand out nonetheless. Although ‘Let Me Go’ slows the tempo down it is for me the weakest track on here. With a voice as big as Wolf’s you need big tunes to match it. Uncle Sid even try their hand at melodic rock with ‘Believe It!’ and it sounds good.

How this band remains unsigned is a mystery and a disgrace. With airplay Uncle Sid could do very well with the current love of all things classic rock. Go pay them a visit today!

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Review by Jason Ritchie

Website

Rising Stars (interview)