Rollover is a 70's style, blues based, classic rock band. Rocking guitars, solid rhythms with an overall blues feeling make Rollover one of the more interesting rock bands to come along in some time. Their bluesy rock sound is credited to their Hendrix/Clapton/Vaughn influences. This Chicago-based band is: lead vocalist Louie Zagoras on guitar, Jason Batchko on drums, Bill Lawlor on keyboards, and Eddie Carlsson on bass. Together since 1992 the band covered career ground rapidly in the Chicago area. Bill Graham Management (Santana, Blues Traveler, Joe Satriani) picked them up and restarted Wolfgang Records to put out the band's cd, Rollover. With this push, Rollover was able to get some broader touring experience with the 1994 H.O.R.D.E. festival and opening for Joe Satriani.
The self-titled album may be the band's first, but it's not an obvious first time effort. The polish and professionalism are a credit to producer Zagoras and recorder/mixer Brad Wood (Liz Phair). The thirteen tracks include the first one to receive airplay, "Shipwreck". This first track is followed by another good one, "Burning Time". Further in, "Give It Up" has a strong blues streak, and this one, like almost all the rest, have good lyrics that are clearly audible. A personal favorite is "Wrecking Ball" which has yet to be singled out for publicity but is one of the strongest rockers on the album. Izzy Stradlin fans will hear phrasing, vocals and melodies that are warmly familiar.
Rollover will be opening for Joe Satriani on another leg of his tour - even if you haven't picked up the album, this opening act is well worth hearing.
