Whether or not Johnny Gale has thrown in a handful of tributes on his debut album Gale Force and is hoping to be associated by comparison to the original grand masters or just trying to add familiar tunes to soften the listener into buying his wares, Gale doesn't need artificial tenderizers.

His double-edged guitar leads, capable of shattering tooth enamel, slap your face on the opener, John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" while experimentally shifting gears with each tune. Gale tries his hand at some rockabillyesque on "Custom Made," unadulterated rock on "Can't Slow Down" and does a spoofish blues tune on "Confused." Although known as a blues man by his peers, the artists with which he has performed are mostly rockers, including Meatloaf, The Ramones, Iggy Pop, Van Morrison, and the Byrds. It isn't obvious how that title applies until you hear "Daddy Long Legs." And even though Dominick Esposito's vocals are thin and better suited for rock, the tune works itself into a classic blues package with Gale showcasing himself playing all guitars including bass.

Other than an occasional pitstop, Gale Force travels the road paved in rock and roll with blues taking the back seat. It's like male pattern baldness; it shines on top but it's fuzzy on the sides.

Reviewer:  Tom Elliott, courtesy of Flash Magazine.