Well here we are, complimenting the recently reviewed re-issue of his debut solo album 'Gypsy Cowboy', we have the return of Micki Free  to the “rock” arena with this new 'Experience' album, but in truthfulness if you check his website (www.mickifree.com)  you’ll see he’s been far from idol over the last decade or so. In the review of 'Gypsy Cowboy' I stated that  the Jimi Hendrix influences were certainly to the fore and  I guess that is even more obvious in his choice of album title for this album, along with the guitars and amps that he uses, but with 'Experience' he’s taken those Hendrix’ influences and brought them kicking and screaming into the 21st century, no more so than with opening track 'Toxic' that starts out with a spoken intro and turns into a very Rage Against The Machine style track with lots of swearing - not a problem just had to skip this track when the kids were about.

Second track in is 'Razor Blade' that is heavy dark rocker with a de-tuned riff which is then followed up with
'Euphoria Blue' which, with its acoustic intro, is more laid back in style when compared to the opening two track salvo, however 'Chemical Imbalance' returns to more of the same with big drums and an even bigger sounding guitar riff.

'Callin' An Angel' is acoustic ballad that proves to have more than a passing resemblance to 'Angel' by Aerosmith, especially during its chorus section and then with 'Anxiety' Free serves up a more seventies style number that Lenny Kravitz  would have given his left nut to have written. 'Love Child' on the other hand takes us back into that more laid back territory and reminds me of the Wind Cries Mary somewhat.

'Karma Sutra' is a strange little number with a big riff and effected vocals but it does grow on you with repeated listens and  then with 'The Pain Of Losing You' Free goes for a more bluesy/rocker type thing that I could have seen working in his former band Crown of Thorns. Mother Earth is more of a track that  could have been Pink Floyd jamming with Jimi Hendrix and I love it, with the riff reminding me of the 'Intro The Winterland' from the COT debut.

I’ve got to admit that to some extent I struggled with this album at first but it really works after a couple of listens as the different styles encompassed throughout fit together into a seamless whole that is the Mick Free of today. The husband and wife rhythm section of Share Pederson (x-Vixen and Bubble) and Bam Bam (x-dogs-d'Amour and Bubble) provide a tight back drop fro Free's guitar and vocals and the song writing overall compliments the musical ability of all concerned.  'Experience', as an album, is a very modern sounding record but based on old influences which may alienate anybody expecting COT style material but give it a listen because it does grow! These are songs  designed to be played live and I, for one, hope to get the chance to see them performed sometime in the future!
 

Let us know your views on 'Experience'

Track List

Toxic
Razor Blade
Euphoria Blue
Chemical Imbalance
Callin' An Angel
Anxiety
Love Child
Karma Sutra
The Pain Of Losing You
Mother Earth

Line Up

Micki Free - Vocals/Guitar/Bass
Bam & Ravi - Drums
Share – Bass & Piano