Company
of Snakes
Bassist Neil Murray and guitarists Mick Moody and Bernie Marsden
were all members of the inaugural lineup of Whitesnake from 1978 to 1982, up through the Saints & Sinners album. By mid-decade
all three had departed and moved on to other projects; Moody and Marsden later
reconvened as the blues-rock Moody & Marsden Band, and all three reunited
in 1999 as part of Company of Snakes. Drummer John Lingwood, keyboardist Don
Airey, and vocalist Stefan Bergren completed the lineup, which devoted itself
to a mix of early Whitesnake songs
and new material. After extensive touring, the live album "Here They Go
Again" was issued in early 2001 and a new studio album in 2002.
Company of Snakes - Burst the Bubble (SPV) 2002
1. "Ayresome"
(:59)
2. "Labour of Love" (4:07)
3. "Ride, Ride, Ride/Run, Run, Run" (4:47)
4. "Burst the Bubble" (4:25)
5. "Sacrificial Feelings" (4:30)
6. "What Love Can Do" (5:40)
7. "Little Miss Happiness" (4:11)
8. "Hurricane" (5:25)
9. "Kinda Wish You Would" (4:06)
10. "Days to Remember" (5:53)
11. "Back to the Blues" (4:28)
12. "All Dressed Up" (4:17)
13. "Can't Go Back" (5:09)
14. "She" (3:59)
15. "Ayresome Park (Reprise)" (1:00)
"Burst the Bubble " is blues based hard rock that is very similar to the old school Whitesnake sound, as would be expected. Whitesnake often reminded me of Deep Purple in those early days, and certainly those comparisons still hold true with Company of Snakes. Vocalist Stefan Bergen even has a similar vocal style to legend David Coverdale. Having been a fan of Whitesnake for many, many years I can certainly appreciate this style and this album.