Date: 05/20/2009
URL: http://www.modernguitars.com/archives/004906.html
Though some rock fans might still be in the dark about this, and they've certainly got to be an isolated and diminutive bunch, The Answer is the hard-rocking foursome out of County Down, Ireland. The group has been touring the globe over the past year opening for AC/DC on the Black Ice Tour. By definition alone, one might think that a label as bold as The Answer is a reference to something that's the real deal, or the actual solution to something. If you're wondering if that's the case in this situation, many rock fans seem to think so.
The truth is, and it's not exactly a news flash, authentic hard-rock bands aren't what they used to be in numbers. Sure, there are a few around, the paradigm being the above mentioned tour headliner. But, not many young bands possess the invigorating power and surging force that Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, Humble Pie, and others exerted back in the '70s. It's unfortunate, because a prevailing thirst still exists for that particular style. AC/DC and their mega sold out tour is evidence of it.
The affection fans have for the wailing vocal angst and heavy rhythmic drive that's characteristic of their approach is no secret. And although a tube-driven guitar torrent has very much to do with the adoration, it's a craving that only some truly identify with. Similar to the bubbly roar of a '73 Barracuda's 440 six-pack to muscle car fanatics, or the choppy pistons of a Harley-Davidson to bikers, the thunderously bluesy notes of a Les Paul through a cranked Marshall is music to the ears of rock fans and musicians everywhere.
It's been that way since the '60s and '70s, and it prevails to this day. And comparable to the two previous examples, much of that sound has a lot to do with who's behind the wheel of the machine making the noise. In the case of The Answer, the one hauling ass is guitarist Paul Mahon. Besides Angus and Malcolm Young, both Jimmy Page and Joe Elliott are among the enthusiastic fans of The Answer. And besides AC/DC, the band has been the impressive opener for headliners like Aerosmith, Whitesnake, and Paul Rogers.
Mahon launched The Answer in 2000 when he was just eighteen years old. The fact that the band had gone back and studied the rock music of the early '70s clarifies the motive behind this young group's classic approach. Paul's guitar playing tech
