Music Review: Dead Boots – ‘Veronica’

Dead Boots have actually been around for a while, but they had another name: TAB the Band. They put out some records and gained a bit of attention, but it wasn’t enough to really make them well known. Now they have a new and much better name: Dead Boots, and a brand new album that should get them the attention they deserve, Veronica.

Right away you notice the classic rock sound, which harkens back in the best possible way to the ’60s and ’70s. The band was founded by brothers Adrian and Tony Perry, the sons of Joe Perry of Aerosmith, and includes Ben Tileston on drums and Lou Jannetty on guitar. And yes, there is an early Aerosmith influence to be heard here, but no more so than The Black Crowes, Cheap Trick, The Rolling Stones, and other classic rock and blues rock groups. And over all the obvious influences, Dead Boots manages to have a fresh and modern sound as well.

“On the Rocks” starts things off with a pounding Southern rock sound very similar to The Black Crowes. It’s a good start, followed by the punk-influenced “Saturdays,” a very catchy tune indeed. “Violent Vows” returns to a more classic rock sound, while the harmonies on “So Long” has great harmonies reminiscent of The Rolling Stones.

You get the idea. All of the songs clearly have roots in classic blues rock, punk, and pop. But Dead Boots blends these influences with strong guitar, bass, and drums and pleasing vocals and harmonies from the Perry brothers so that nothing ever sounds too derivative. It’s clear that the band is simply carrying on some excellent musical traditions while performing very enjoyable original songs.

Highlights of the CD include the previously mentioned “On the Rocks” and “Saturdays” as well as the heavy “I Believe in Love,”  (one of the more modern-sounding songs,) “I Don’t Even Know Your Name,” and, especially, “Love Without A Fall.”

The whole CD is consistently well done and all of the songs sound like they belong together. Overall, Dead Boots is off to a great start with their new name and a solid CD that should keep listeners coming back for more. It is highly recommended for anymore with a taste for modern music with a classic rock sound.