Review: The Karma Effect – Cruel Intentions
Earache Records – May 15th , 2026
Reviewer – David Brighouse
This is the 3rd Album from the fast-rising South London ‘Modern Vintage’ Rockers bringing their updated high energy 70’s sound to the masses.
With opening track and latest single ‘Ride Or Die‘, Henry Gottelier immediately gets your attention with his screamed assertion that the band are going all the way and they certainly are with this funky rocker. Previous single ‘Dangerous Love‘ starts with a guitar riff/keyboard combo which leads us into a melodic groover with a good flow. ‘Lady Bohemian‘ is a story-weaving rock ballad in a style that Bon Jovi used to do so well and the band here match them note for note in another great track. ‘Raised On Rock’n’Roll‘ gets the blood pumping again with the rhythm really going to town and Robbie Blake hitting us mid song with a blistering solo and Henry giving it his all vocally.
‘Bad Manners‘ is a funkier proposition and you can really hear all the band members getting their groove on and contributing to driving the track along. ‘Closest Thing To Crazy‘ is another sweeping ballad which really showcases Henry’s vocal abilities. Lead single ‘Waiting On A Miracle‘ again allows all the members to contribute to the overall vibe and is the perfect upbeat distillation of what the group is about, which continues in ‘Better Luck Next Time‘ a real rocker with crunching guitar riffs, plenty of screaming harmonica, but also clever changes in pace.
‘Long Gone‘ has a bluesier feel and is a track that ebbs and flows effortlessly from verse to catchy chorus and will have you tapping your feet along in no time. Title track ‘Cruel Intentions‘ is the most intriguing track on the album, different to what has gone before, with everyone again playing their part, but Robbie’s guitar particularly shining right up to the fade out. Last track ‘One More For The Road‘ sounds just like you would expect a closer with such a title to sound, perfectly capturing the spirit of the album both lyrically and musically, with powerful rhythms, soaring guitars and an anthemic chorus.
With ‘Cruel Intensions’ The Karma Effect have produced another perfect Modern ‘Classic Rock’ record, channelling all the best vibes of the classic era of the 1970’s and 80’s and injecting their own energy and personality into a bunch of songs that provide everything the classic rock fan could want, powerful vocals, towering guitar solos and sing along choruses.
Track List:
- Ride Or Die
- Dangerous Love
- Lady Bohemian
- Raised On Rock’n’Roll
- Bad Manners
- Closest Thing To Crazy
- Waiting On A Miracle
- Better Luck Next Time
- Long Gone
- Cruel Intentions
- One More For The Road
Line-up:
Henry Gottelier – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Robbie Blake – Guitar
Tom Pitt – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Nate Keevil – Bass, Backing Vocals
Alan Taylor – Drums
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