This week's pile is short but it is a case of quality over quantity. We have a brilliant new discovery as well as the welcome rocking return of an ole' favourite.
CD reviews
All I can say with this lot is whoa! They are another amazing rock band from the other island in the British Isles. This time they are from south of the border and they sound a lot like fellow Irish rockers Thin Lizzy. Like the Answer, who has more of a Free vibe, they are retro without being complete copyists. Ten tracks of pure heavy rock goodness. This is yet another album I am going to leave on the iPod for several months to come. From the first notes of the awesome rocker "Colour of Money" through the excellent heavy rock of "Saving Face" (with lashing of Lynottisms) right until the last track this is pure rock goodness. I do rather hope they make it to London town rather soon. I can't wait to see em' live maybe on a tour with The Answer? This one is worth getting on import; damn good album.
Hanoi Rocks: Another Hostile Takeover
Eighteen tracks of Hanoi Rocks goodness. Following up their 12 Shots on Rocks this is a strong collection of HR tunage. It includes a cracking cover of Thin Lizzy's "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" as well as some interesting inserts between the major tracks. The copy I have has a bonus track of the "Heaven is Going to be Empty", which is one of those tracks you just know has to be heard live. It's the type of song that just sounds drunk, oozing whisky and cigarettes from each of the speakers. Let's face it...this is prime Hanoi Rocks. It is one of their best releases to date. If you like them and their genre; you will love this stuff. Sit back, pour yourself a bunch of drinks, and enjoy.
Hatch: Surfer's Rock
A bit indie-sounding modern rock that is well played and competent. As a demo/promo, it ain't bad and far better than much of the stuff I got at the Tourdates.co.uk launch. The songs need a bit more variety. I hear the same intro in two of the songs but that is a minor quibble. There is a definite feel of REM and their ilk on show here. A bit more originality and oomph would help a bit but this was not an unpleasant listen, that is for sure.
The singles bin was a tad empty today, which gave me more time to concentrate on my own music. The band is doing a private gig on Sunday night in Islington, should be good for a laugh. No sign of our EP on iTunes yet, but our iSound site is most interesting. We are selling ring-tones (US only, alas) and are in a Battle of the Bands.
Have a good Easter and check back on Monday for a review of a secret Biff Naked gig here in London. (There are rumours of some problems with the guest list so I might not make it to the gig)
Rockgards and be safe.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
...and for the record, i must state that the live Thin Lizzy album that marty has picked is one fantastic chunk of hard rock music.
hmmm, maybe i'll leave work early and go home for a listen.