Lessmann/Voss - Rock Is Our Religion (2022) [Hi-Res]

The singer/multi-instrumentalists Claus Lessmann and Michael Voss, who also produces greats like Michael Schenker: a combination that immediately makes rock fans sit up and take notice. Considering the previous collaborations of the two - most recently as members of PHANTOM V - "Rock Is Our Religion" is far more than a debut.

Recorded and produced by Voss at Kidwood Studios Münstertal and Kidroom Studios Greven (only Vincent Golly's drums were recorded by Mathi Brandstetter at Home Studios in Hamburg), the album is rather a revelation, a nod to real rock packed into 49 minutes of handmade, to-the-point music. Lessmann and Voss complement each other on these 12 tracks as if they had never done anything else before: From the mysteriously beginning opener 'Medicine Man' to the lead single 'Smoke Without A Fire' as well as the track 'Take My Heart And Run', which goes back to one of their earlier songwriting collaborations in the 90s, to the interpretation of the 1975 AMERICA hit 'Sister Golden Hair' (with Kenny Lessmann on drums and Martin Huch on pedal steel guitar), this album impressively shows that it doesn't always take a lot of bells and whistles to make effective guitar music even nowadays. Amen!

"During our writing and recording time together on PHANTOM 5, we realised that we share one and the same love for AMERICA's track 'Sister Golden Hair'. Already in the 70s - in another age - I had raved about that song. So it was obvious that we would record this song together one day. Here is the result: Enjoy!" (Lessmann)

"I actually also remember very well: Claus and I once played an acoustic show together at a festival in Italy. We were sitting backstage, outdoors by a pool, when we met a soulmate. His name was Robbie LaBlanc and he was there preparing for his performance. A good chat about favourite songs ensued before he started playing AMERICA's super hit out of nowhere. His solo performance just thrilled us so much at the time that we made it a point that we would definitely record that song ourselves one day." (Voss)

Lessmann and Voss complement each other on these twelve tracks as if they had never done anything else before: from the mysteriously beginning opener 'Medicine Man' to the lead single 'Smoke Without A Fire' as well as the track 'Take My Heart And Run', which goes back to one of their earlier songwriting collaborations in the 90s, to the interpretation of the 1975 AMERICA hit 'Sister Golden Hair', this album impressively shows that it doesn't always take a lot of bells and whistles to make effective guitar music even today.

Self-produced by LESSMANN/VOSS, the disc was also recorded and mixed by Voss at Kidwood Studios Münstertal and Kidroom Studios Greven. Only Vincent Golly's drum recordings took place together with Mathi Brandstetter at Home Studios Hamburg. Christoph "Doc" Stickel (CS Mastering; Vienna, Austria) rounded off the work skilfully.

Claus Lessmann, vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar
Michael Voss, vocals, background vocals, electric guitar, bass & keyboards
Guests:
Vincent Golly, drums (Sister Golden Hair)
Kenny Lessmann, drums (Sister Golden Hair)
Martin Huch, pedal steel guitar (Sister Golden Hair)