Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on February 2012

With their ballsy, barracking, timeworn, bluesy hard rock, The Answer are never going to win prizes for originality. That’s probably why they’re called The Answer and not The Question. But what the rockers from Northern Ireland do, they do extremely well, refreshing the eternal template of chugging rhythms, snarling, whining guitars, and throaty singing a la Lynyrd Skynyrd, Led Zeppelin, Free, and anybody else from the who’s-who of Seventies Rock. This no doubt played a key part in getting them the support slot on AC/DC’s Black Ice tour. This veneration for the venerable is also a sure-fire winner with Japanese audiences, who like to see the flame kept burning. With a new album of classic trad rock in tow—last year’s The Revival—the Ulstermen are sure to put on such a great show that the livelihood of several dozen Seventies tribute bands could be threatened in the process. Watch out Letz Zep, they’re gunning for you.

Tokyo Club Quattro, Feb 21 (listing).