The Zac Schulze Gang: Live And Loud Review

The recently released debut album Live and Loud by The Zac Schulze Gang delivers a potent introduction to this promising British blues rock power trio. Comprised of Zac Schulze (guitar and vocals), Ben Schulze (drums), and Anthony Greenwell (bass guitar and vocals), the band has been steadily growing in popularity since being formed in southeast U.K in 2020. Now, the group has finally released, in the form of a live album, their debut full-length effort.

Comprising just seven tracks, Live And Loud is rooted in the tradition of iconic British blues rock acts such as The Yardbirds, Cream and Fleetwood Mac while being enhanced by a healthy dose of Rory Gallagher, Ireland’s finest. 

The record starts off with a cover of the Spencer Davis Group classic number “I’m A Man.” Zac & Co’s rendition infuses the once laidback track with a dose of high-octane blues energy, elevating it with the intensity and grit of Zac’s fretwork, which stands out from the get-go. 

Following this strong opener is the original “Hole In My Pocket”, which serves as a vehicle for Zac to showcase his fret-burning assault once more. The track is a rock-solid number, characterized by its driving rhythm and Zac’s blazing lead work. “Dry Spell” continues in the same vein, completing a trilogy of high-energy barnburners with yet another display of exceptional rhythm work and lead guitar.

The album then shifts gears with “Walkin’ The Dog,” a slow-burning blues number that highlights the band’s ability to handle moodier pieces. Still, The lead guitar work here is nothing short of monstrous, adding depth and intensity to the track’s slow, deliberate pace. “She Does It Right” follows, injecting a frantically paced shuffle back into the mix, but with less finesse than previously displayed, being the weakest number on the set. 

A rendition of Rory Gallagher’s “I Fall Apart” brings back the slower tempos.  While Gallagher’s original has a more laidback, restrained feel, Zac’s version has a rawness and grit that are undeniable and add to the song’s emotional weight. It’s certainly a passionate interpretation that does justice to the original while adding a distinct flavor of its own.

Closing the record, “Messin’ With The Kid”, a track written by Peter Green but made famous by Rory Gallagher, emerges. Zac and his gang deliver a fitting conclusion to the album with their inspired take on one of Rory’s most recognizable numbers.

Overall, the record is a strong affair with a great choice of tracks. Also, Zac’s vocals are mature beyond his years, and his guitar playing is both fierce and fluid, delivering the perfect balance of fire and taste. However, there are some minor considerations to be made about some of its aspects. For example, one can argue that the band is relying a bit much on established blues-rock templates and that a few extra original elements could be added to the mix. Additionally, the album’s brevity and straightforward structure may leave some listeners wanting more in terms of variety and exploration.

All in all, though, Live and Loud is an impressive start for a promising band. The Zac Schulze Gang has delivered a powerful debut that pays homage to the greats of blues rock while also showcasing their potential to carve out their own niche in the genre.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– I’m A Man
– Dry Spell
– Walkin’ The Dog
– Messin’ With The Kid
– I Fall Apart

The Big Hit

– I Fall Apart