Late Landing – ‘Odyssey’

(Independent)

There is something wonderfully satisfying about a hard rock album that knows exactly what it wants to achieve and goes about delivering it with conviction, power and an unapologetic commitment to turning up the volume. Late Landing’s Odyssey is very much that kind of record. A pounding, heavy and groove-driven slab of modern hard rock, this is an album built around muscular riffs, driving rhythms and an attitude that refuses to sit quietly in the background. From the opening moments, there is a sense of purpose and energy that carries throughout, giving the record a cohesive identity and a thoroughly engaging personality.

What immediately stands out about Odyssey is its weight. Late Landing clearly understand the importance of a powerful guitar sound, and there is plenty of muscle behind the instrumentation. The riffs have a satisfying crunch, the rhythm section provides a formidable foundation, and the overall production gives everything the necessary punch. This is not lightweight rock designed to drift pleasantly past your ears. There is a real physicality to the music, a sense of movement and momentum that makes you want to turn the volume up and let the album take control.

However, what makes the record particularly enjoyable is the way Late Landing balance that heaviness with a strong sense of groove. Modern hard rock can sometimes become so preoccupied with aggression and sheer sonic weight that it loses sight of the importance of rhythm. That certainly isn't a problem here. There is a wonderfully infectious rhythmic quality running through Odyssey, with the guitars and drums working together to create a sound that feels both powerful and accessible. The grooves have a natural swagger, giving the material plenty of character and ensuring that the album never becomes a one-dimensional exercise in heaviness.

There is also an impressive consistency to the songwriting. Across its relatively compact running time, Odyssey maintains a clear musical direction, with each composition contributing to the overall atmosphere and identity of the album. Late Landing demonstrate an understanding that effective hard rock requires more than just loud guitars and pounding drums. There needs to be structure, dynamics and, above all, memorable musical ideas. Thankfully, those ingredients are present in abundance. The arrangements have enough movement to keep the listener interested, while the heavier passages provide the necessary impact.

The modern rock influence is evident in the way the band approach their material. There is a contemporary edge to the sound, but it never feels as though Late Landing have sacrificed the fundamental qualities that make hard rock such an enduring musical force. The guitars remain front and centre, the rhythms are unapologetically forceful, and there is a welcome emphasis on delivering music that connects through sheer energy and attitude. It is a sound that feels current without losing sight of the genre's foundations.

The instrumental performances deserve considerable credit. Joe and Ben Moore’s guitar work provides much of the album's identity, delivering riffs that have both bite and substance. There is a satisfying heaviness to the tone, but also enough variation in the playing to prevent everything from becoming predictable. The rhythm section is equally important, driving the music forward with a combination of power and precision. Nicky Pirie’s drums have plenty of impact, while Chris Davie’s bass adds depth and reinforces that all-important groove. Together, they create a formidable musical engine that gives the album its muscular character.

Vocally, the material benefits from Ben Moore’s approach that complements the weight and intensity of the instrumentation. In music this heavily groove-oriented, the vocal delivery needs to possess enough presence and character to stand alongside the guitars rather than disappear beneath them. The overall sound has a strong sense of attitude, helping to give the album its modern hard rock personality. There is a directness to the presentation that suits the material particularly well, keeping the focus firmly on the energy and impact of the songs.

Another positive is the way the album develops its atmosphere. The instrumental opening establishes the mood before the record moves into its heavier territory, creating a natural introduction to the musical journey ahead. From there, Late Landing maintain an impressive level of intensity, but there is sufficient variation in the arrangements to provide breathing space between the more forceful moments. The result is an album that feels considered rather than simply loud for the sake of being loud.

The closing stretch brings everything together, reinforcing the sense that Odyssey has been constructed as a complete listening experience rather than a random collection of unrelated ideas. There is a pleasing sense of resolution, and the album finishes with its identity firmly established. It is a record that knows its strengths and plays to them throughout.

Ultimately, Odyssey is an enjoyable and thoroughly muscular modern hard rock release. Late Landing deliver exactly the sort of pounding, groove-driven material that fans of heavier contemporary rock will appreciate. It has riffs, rhythm, attitude and, most importantly, the kind of energy that makes you want to revisit it. There is no unnecessary overcomplication here, just a band concentrating on delivering powerful hard rock with conviction.

For those who enjoy their rock heavy, rhythmic and packed with attitude, Late Landing have plenty to offer. Odyssey is a confident statement of intent, driven by muscular guitar work and an infectious groove that refuses to let go. Sometimes you simply want an album that hits hard, gets the blood pumping and reminds you why you fell in love with hard rock in the first place. This one certainly understands the assignment.

‘Reveries’, a suitably atmospheric introduction that sets the scene for the musical journey ahead. There is a sense of anticipation here, with the instrumental arrangement gradually establishing the album's mood before the heavier material takes over. It provides an effective opening statement, hinting at the weight and atmosphere that will define the record.

‘The Time Is Now’, the album gets properly underway with a welcome injection of hard rock energy. The guitars bring plenty of crunch, while the rhythm section delivers the pounding foundation that makes this style so enjoyable. There is a real sense of urgency running through the arrangement, with a groove that gives the track plenty of forward momentum. A strong statement of intent.

‘Sinking Feeling’, keeping the intensity firmly in place, this is another slice of groove-driven modern hard rock. The heavier instrumental passages give the music plenty of muscle, while the rhythmic foundations ensure there is an infectious quality beneath all that weight. Late Landing demonstrate their ability to combine aggression with an accessible musical approach.

‘Grand Illusions’, there is plenty to enjoy here, with the band continuing to explore that balance between muscular guitar work and contemporary hard rock sensibilities. The riffs have a satisfying bite, and the arrangement has enough movement to maintain interest. Another confident performance that reinforces the album's consistency.

‘Heart In Hand’, a welcome change of emphasis without abandoning the heavier foundations of the record. There is a more emotive quality to the overall presentation, allowing a different dimension of the band's sound to emerge. The groove remains important, but there is also a sense of melody and feeling that adds depth to the album.

‘Darkest Days’, the title suggests a darker musical direction, and the heavier atmosphere certainly suits the band's approach. The guitars have plenty of bite, the drums deliver another powerful performance, and the overall arrangement possesses a satisfying intensity. This is Late Landing doing what they do best: delivering hard rock with weight, attitude and conviction.

‘All At Once’, The penultimate vocal number keeps the momentum flowing, bringing together the album's principal strengths. There is plenty of rhythmic drive, a muscular instrumental backdrop and that unmistakable modern hard rock character. It feels like a fitting contribution to the record's closing stages, maintaining the energy without simply repeating what has come before.

‘Odyssey’, the album closes with an epic instrumental finale that brings the journey full circle. It is an effective way to conclude the record, allowing the musical atmosphere to take centre stage and providing a final opportunity to appreciate the band's instrumental approach. A fitting closing chapter to an album built around heaviness, groove and atmosphere.

Late Landing's Odyssey is a thoroughly enjoyable slab of modern hard rock that delivers exactly where it matters. Pounding rhythms, muscular guitar riffs, plenty of groove and an infectious sense of energy make this an album that demands to be played loud. What I particularly enjoy is the band's ability to combine heaviness with a strong rhythmic identity, giving the material plenty of punch without sacrificing accessibility. There is a pleasing consistency throughout, and the instrumental bookends add an atmospheric touch to the overall journey. If you like your hard rock powerful, contemporary and packed with attitude, then Late Landing deserve your attention. Odyssey is a confident, groove-laden statement that hits hard and leaves its mark. Turn it up! this is rock music made for maximum volume!

7/10

Essential Track – ‘Heart In Hand’

Review by Woody