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Named after the infamous Led Zeppelin track from Zeppelin IV, Four Sticks are a Swedish super group that feature the incredible, soul-powered voice of Stefan Berggen (Company of Snakes, Razorbacks, Snakes in Paradise). Berggen is joined by guitarist Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles), bassist Tomas Thorberg (Plankton, Michael Schenker) and drummer Sebastian Sippola (Plankton, Grand Magus, Fortune), all stellar musicians in their own right. Back in 1996 they came together to record a blues-based, hard rock LP that was limited to a small, limited pressing. Over time, and through word-of-mouth, they found themselves gaining a fan-base on the Internet. Joe Romagnola, president of Grooveyard Records, was impressed by their debut lost treasure and negotiated a re-issue of Electric Celebration. The rare, genuine masterpiece is an ode to classic ‘70s rock complete with dynamic guitar, rumbling bass and powerhouse drumming.

Hard-driving tracks “Under My Thumb”, “Hallelujah” and the bass-heavy “Music Revolution” are packed up front capturing the attention of the listener and setting the pace for the record. Perfectly placed ‘live’ track “Wondercolourblue” moves closer to power pop while still maintaining an aggressive punch. Noticeable is the band’s ability to gel in complete synchrony. They accentuate the melody while leaving room for each other to move about with in the song structure. Slow builders “Intertwined” and “Broken Glass” start off at a leisure pace then escalate into a dynamic crescendo echoing bands like Whitesnake, Badlands and Kings X. Title track “Electric Celebration” is more exploratory merging a pop sense into a rock format. Standout track “Strange Dream” is a killer blues number while “Just Got Back” begs for a Tawny Kitaen video. Mellower tracks “Reason to Live” and “Like a Flower” showcase Berggen’s incredible range and passionate delivery. As an added bonus Berggen dug up the acoustic-based “World Is Calling” just for this release.

Todd K. Smith - The Electric Beard (July 2015)
 

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With a name like Four Sticks, you won't be too surprised to hear that this seriously rockin' four piece borrow from Led Zeppelin. However that tip of the hat is more in ethos rather than out and out worship, with the easier blues rock side of Page merely a touching point for the Electric Celebration album. Instead much more is going on here, the flawless vocals from Stefan Berggren (Company Of Snakes/Snakes In Paradise) adding an early Ronnie James Dio and Ray Gillen flavour and the easy, smooth style roaming from all out to rock to classy funk as it keeps you on your toes. It all comes together to hark right back to a time before bombast was the object, or riffs had to be gigantic to have effect. Instead guitarist Henrik Bergqvist (The Poodles) coaxes with some of the most seductive six-string-singing work you could hope to find – he can rock and he can roll, yet what makes him stand tall and proud is that oft forgotten art of playing exactly what the songs require and allowing them to breathe in the most natural of ways. Nothing here sounds forced and in many ways, while Zep are an undoubted influence, we're heading further into Deep Purple MKIII and IV territory.

However don't let me have you thinking 4S can't rock – they can, and how! Sample the insistent "Under My Thumb" for proof, or the stunning "Wondercolourblue", where the organ work from guest Joakim Svalberg raises the standard even higher, before Bergqvist rips out a scintillating solo. However the funkabulous "Hallelujah" heads off in a different direction, answering the question of what would a Led Zep/early Stevie Wonder crossover have sounded like – fantastic being the conclusion! Huge credit goes to the rhythm section of bassist Tomas Thorberg (Michael Schenker/John Norum) and drummer Sebastian Sippola (Grand Magus/Fortune), the pair laying it down fat and thick, while having the class and precision to keep it loose and flowing. "Intertwined" keeps things hypnotic and smooth in an early Whitesnake manner, Berggren's vocals utterly captivating, while the title track proves this lot can hammer it out when the mood takes them. Although in fairness it's the effortless ability to simply go where the songs take them that makes Four Sticks so engaging.

This album was initially released back in 1997, however this wonderful reissue from Grooveyard Records comes with the sublime bonus cut "World Is Calling", which covers the Four Sticks spectrum from easy mid paced suggestion, to full on rock enforcement. If you missed Electric Celebration the first time round, prepare to party long and party hard, for this is superb!

4.5 out of 5

Steven Reid / Sea Of Tranquility (June 2015)
 

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Powerful debut outing, 'Electric Celebration' from Swedish blues rockers, Four Sticks is a collection of blues flavored rock, that is raw and laden with emotion. The band is fronted by the incredible, bluesy swagger rock vocals of Stefan Berggren (The Company Of Snakes/ Snakes in Paradise) on lead vocals. His vocals are perfectly suited to the genre, displaying a wide range, in a variety of styles, from all out bluesy rockers to slow bluesy ballads. His ability to infuse genuine feeling into the music, is one of the keys to its appeal. This is music that taps into the roots of blues based hard rock. Besides Stefan Berggren's vocal prowess, Four Sticks also features the outstanding skills of guitarist, Henrik Bergvist, Tomas Thorberg on bass and harmonica, Sebastian Sippola on drums & percussions. The trio take Led Zepplin's bluesy rock riffage, mixed it with a Gov't Mule punch and serve up vibe all their own. The songs are killer, from the opening soul mover, "Under My Thumb" (not the Stone's classic), the energizing groove of, "Hallelujah", the low down and dirty swagger of, "Intertwined", goes down smooth like a shot of whiskey. Other highlights are, the title track, "Reason To Live" and the album closing, "World Is Calling". All twelve tracks are all good. They are catchy and are played with a deep feeling and attitude. Overall, this powerful debut outing is a mid-paced bluesy hard rock release, with evident influences from Led Zeppelin, early Whitesnake and some other British blues rock bands. In one sentence: a great album with amazing vocals and superb guitars. If you like musical appetite craves for bluesy hard-hitting, melodic, soulful, and impassioned rock music then 'Electric Celebration' by Four Sticks is a MUST HAVE! - Highly Recommended.

Tony Sison / The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine (April 2015)
 

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