August 3rd, 2022 - Allied Juice Forces

 

Hey there rockers, rollers, and hoppy beer lovers!  Your pal the Meista here rocking out to another great find from my friends at Lavender Vinyl in Ogden, Utah and a tasty brew... how's 'bout some "Allied Forces" from Canadian rockers Triumph and a Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA from New Belgium Brewing Company?!  Oh yeah!

Album Info:

• Artist: Triumph
• Title: "Allied Forces"
• Recorded: April through August 1981 at Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
• Release date: September 19th, 1981 (5th studio album by Triumph)
• Record company: RCA / TML / Attic
• Production: Triumph
• Album cover art: Brian Zick
• Personnel: Rik Emmett (six string guitar, twelve string guitar, bottleneck slide guitar, lap steel guitar, and lead and background vocals), Mike Levine (bass, organ, synthesizer, and piano), and Gil Moore (drums, percussion, and lead and background vocals)
• Guest musicians: Elaine Overholt (background vocals)
• Musical style: Hard rock, heavy metal
• Sound: Radio-friendly, yet rich in musical integrity and skill, Triumph's "Allied Forces" is probably their defining album in terms of sound and their most recognizable.  Emmett's guitar playing is so damned inspiring on this album!  And his and Moore's vocals really grab you right from the start.  Levine's bass and keyboard work is wonderfully powerful as well!
• Major themes: Love, desire, rock and roll, the love of music, being true to yourself, life, etc.
• Tracks:   

1. "Fool For Your Love"
2. "Magic Power"
3. "Air Raid"
4. "Allied Forces"
5. "Hot Time (In This City Tonight)"
6. "Fight The Good Fight"
7. "Ordinary Man"
8. "Petite Etude"
9. "Say Goodbye"

Brew Info:

• Brewery: New Belgium Brewing Company (Colorado)
• Website: https://www.newbelgium.com/ 
• Brew: Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA
• Style: Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale (IIPA) / Double IPA (DIPA)
• Serving: 12 ounce can
• ABV: 9.5%
• IBUs: 30
• Ingredients: Mosaic, Chinook, Phato, Galaxy, Strata, Lotus, and Sabro hops with Pale, Oats, and Wheat malts 
• Pour: The Juice Force IPA pours a very hazy, bright golden-yellow with a frothy, bright white, 1-finger head with good retention and lots of sticky, intricate lacing.
• Nose: The nose is very floral, citrusy, earthy, herbal, and slightly boozy.  There are aromas of wildflowers, green hop flowers, fresh pineapple, mango, grapefruit rind, tangerine, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange pith and zest, caramel, and a hint of booze.
• Taste: The taste of the Juice Force IPA follows the nose with lots of punchy, hop-forward, citrusy flavors.  There are notes of pineapple, orange juice, pink grapefruit juice, tangerine, and caramel/toffee.
• Mouthfeel: Medium to full-bodied and moderately carbonated, the Juice Force IPA's mouthfeel is very crisp and juicy with a dry and slightly sweet finish.

Overall pairing: The punchy and hoppy elements of Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA is great for the true rockin' goodness that is Triumph's "Allied Forces"!  Those bright, citrusy notes really go great with the power, intensity, and beauty that is found on every single track of this underappreciated and very influential album!

Cheers!!