Lonesome Gambler

Following several singles and a split with Germany's Tension since its 2017 formation is Hobart duo Spectre (another ungoogable entry like Chile's Shadows), which recently released a long suffering four track EP titled Lonesome Gambler. Therefore, I'm compelled more than ever to proffer a brief synopsis of the Tasmanian take on the whole 70s rock-passing-as-heavy metal craze. If anything, Oath and Freeways fans will exult with unfettered joy upon sampling.

Okay, I admit opener and longest track "Hero of the Illusion", where Will's wan vocals sort of drag on, meanders without heating up, but luckily "Wolfbane" is more than simply a classic Marvel Snap card without an "s" as it revs up the rock n' roll nostalgia factor to synthesized levels of liberating, roadway cruising candour. "Lonesome Gambler", with its rustic groove and fluid pentatonic guitar, is a mellow rocker cookie cut for Freeways' True Bearings, itself a Metal Archives pariah any devout minstrel should zone in on.

The best song is the last one, "Turning The Wheel". Who needs to fantasize about building a future dodging time machine when you've Spectre? Not only is the bluesy guitar the kind of stuff you'd love to hear from a cool, anti-established uncle, but Will's vocals are on the same archaic and mesmeric level as those of the late Terry Jones of Pagan Altar.

At roughly twenty minutes duration and compared to previous salutations, Spectre' Lonesome Gambler presages an even longer suffering debut full-length; I only hope we don't have to wait until 2030 for a proper reckoning.