It seems Mike Portnoy takes his friendship with Eddie Trunk of That Metal Show fame very seriously. Along with bassist Billy Sheehan, the ex-Dream Theater drummer began a project in 2011 with John Sykes but claimed that Sykes’ schedule was just too lax for him. Trunk suggested Portnoy contact the terribly underrated guitarist Richie Kotzen and suddenly the Winery Dogs trio was complete. And we should all be happy it is. Their self-titled, 13-song debut is truly amazing stuff.
A seemingly straight-ahead rocker seems to be unfolding with “Elevate,” but we quickly realize that this trio of all trios can really kick the listener’s ear even when presenting a riff-heavy, four-on-the-floor number with a good sing-able chorus. There’s a great vocal from Kotzen (sounding like David Coverdale), but it’s that middle jam and lead section showcasing each player that ultimately shines through with Portnoy and Sheehan locked in like long-lost rhythm brothers. “Desire” is a chunky funk of a tune, with a sexy vocal from Kotzen (a true surprise vocally and guitar playing wise) and wicked harmonies on the chorus from his band mates. The lead guitar on this one just blisters.
“We Are The One” simply kicks ass with Kozten’s wild vocal, funk playing and Sheehan and Portnoy keeping up at a kinetic pace. I love the chorus and the solos, especially from Portnoy. “Time Machine” showcases Kotzen’s voice again with dripping, big verses and a great chorus. We get Sheehan working it out on the bass on “The Other Side” with a wailing guitar to end it. At this point, it’s evident that this powerful trio is as much about delivering on their amazing chops as they are about writing radio-friendly songs.
Sheehan tapping and plucking, light drums and guitar noodling fills in the background on the ballad “You Saved Me.” I’m not sure this one or the slower “Damaged” with its flangy guitar are up to snuff with the rest of the songs here. Of the three ballads, “Regret,” with its piano, tight snare, plaintive vocal and big production, is the best of the lot. The Winery Dogs is potent stuff indeed. As Kotzen remarked, the record is a true collaborative effort. I haven’t heard anything quite like this — a band this tight, comprising such monster players, giving their most on some truly winning tunes — in a very long time.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
