Walter Trout – Sign Of The Times
(Provogue – 2025)
(Genre: Blues)
Hot on the heels of the excellent Broken released in 2024 which featured the likes of Dee Snider and Beth Hart comes this new release and our Blues man delivers a collection that really showcases his talents.
It doesn’t get more real than opener ‘Artificial’ a song that has a modern feel that captures how we live in a fake world full of falseness as we become increasingly confused and controlled by the power of the internet and A-I.
‘Blood On My Pillow’ sees our guitarist excel on a more traditional Blues number, his guitar echoing the pain of a broken heart. The title track follows and it is a true ‘Sign Of The Times’ as Trout is clearly angered by the world we are living in, he has his finger on the pulse as he commentates on the world around him with anger and angst.
The three opening numbers are a perfect demonstration of a man who is a true observer of the societal failures we are navigating. Trout at 74 years of age cannot ignore what he sees in everyday modern life. We all feel fractured and disconnected with our surroundings and reality.
Last year’s Broken reached #1 on its release on the Billboard chart, Sign Of The Times is a speedy follow up, it should get equal acclaim. Trout had the songs, written or co-written with wife Marie. The ten songs on offer are so good they had to be released, ‘Mona Lisa Smile’ it is a Blues ballad that touches on the vulnerability that is hidden behind what we see. We all need to wear a mask to protect us, the song touches on his wife’s qualities and why he loves her so much. ‘Hurt No More’ deals with self-harm and the realisation that he doesn’t want to hurt anymore.
Trout who battled the grim reaper in 2014 and won, thanks to a last-minute liver transplant has had his eyes opened wide. He is taking his second chance and as all bluesmen must his worldly observations pour with emotional pain. Sign Of The Times is not a reflective album, it is totally current and vital, packed with superb solo’s that show feel and substance.
His backing band consisting of Drummer, Michael Leasure, Bassist, John Avila and keys man Teddy ‘Zig Zag’ Andreadis are on fine form too, with the perfect embellishments enhancing this exceptional piece of work. There are moments of lightness amongst the scything sharp pointed social commentaries. ‘High-tech Woman’ is a piece of lo-fi fun, while ‘I Remember’ looks back at simpler times, when everything seemed possible.
The more I keep playing this the better it gets; it is an absolute gem. ‘No Strings Attached’ is s song I have not mentioned yet, it’s rawness just flows Trout’s guitar just heading off in a direction of its own choosing, it is seemingly effortless but breathless, I guess that’s why they call it the blues!
Walter Trout is a true survivor his guitar playing evocatively displaying his mastery of his instrument. Sign Of The Times is an album that will receive continuous plays, well certainly until his next one, which judging by his prolific output since signing for the Provogue label in 2008, (12 albums in this period) won’t be far away.
By Paul Mace