Monday, May 30, 2016

CD REVIEW: THE MACHINE, THE DEVIL & THE DOPE by The Stonewall Noise Orchestra




THE MACHINE, THE DEVIL & THE DOPE by The Stonewall Noise Orchestra
(Steamhammer Music)

Swedish rockers, Stonewall Noise Orchestra are back with their latest release, ' The Machine, The Devil & The Dope', unleashing their explosive brand of rock and roll! The band  is comprised of , Tony on vocals, Snicken on guitar, Mike on guitar, Jonas on bass and Mr. Pillow on drums. The new album marks a new chapter for the band, while this album continues to showcase their straight forward hard rock sound and the production is bigger and the songwriting is more refined. The first two tracks, "The Fever" and "Welcome Home", is a solid one two punch that proves that rock n' roll of the past days is not dead by attacking you with sudden fury and attitude. Other tracks guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping are, "Don't Blame The Demons", "Superior #1" and "On A Program".There is not one bad song on the album. It's muscular and hard in all the right spots. While the band may not be reinventing the wheel here. They are a rock band that makes you want to pop open a beer, kick back and simply enjoy. If solid attitude fueled rock music is what you're looking for this bands delivers the goods. Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

CD REVIEW: PROFIT by The Jelly Jam




PROFIT by The Jelly Jam
(Music Theories)

The trio of Ty Tabor on guitar (King's X), John Myung on bass (Dream Theater), & Rod Morgenstein on drums (Dixie Dregs) are back with their latest release as The Jelly Jam with, 'The Profit'. I've been a fan of The Jelly Jam since their 2002 self titled debut and this new release does not disappoint. If you have heard the band's debut, this recording is much more rockin, heavier, and just bigger and fuller sounding. As you might very well imagine with Ty Tabor handling the vocals there is that King's X vibe to the album. The songs are mysterious, catchy, a little progressive and experimental but not ever over shadowing the big rocking riffs and delicate moments.  The highlights so far for me are, "Care", "Water", "Memphis","Ghost Town" and "Fallen". 'Profit', is everything you would expect; excellent musicianship, infectious hooks, and deep lyrics, all splashed with a coating of psychedelia. You can tell that Ty Tabor, John Myung and Rod Morgenstein loved every minute of creating this stellar recording. A very impressive, very enjoyable modern rock album indeed.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Monday, May 23, 2016

CD REVIEW DESTINATION SOMEWHERE by Massive




DESTINATION SOMEWHERE by Massive
(Earache Records)

Australian based rockers, Massive return with their sophomore release, 'Destination Somewhere'. Brad Marr on vocals/guitar, Brendan Forward on lead guitar, Aidan McGarrigle on bass and  Jarrod Medwin on drums. I have to say, after extremely impressed with their debut outing, 'Full Throttle', I wondered if the lads would suffer the dreaded "sophomore slump". The album itself is a rock fuelled filled adrenaline rush of old school rock and roll and it's clear from the outset that the album has one intention and that's to rock. So, as far as "the sophomore slump", the lads hands down avoided it. Album highlights include, "One For The Road", "Blood Money Blues", both tracks picking up where the lads dished out on their debut. The built for the arena appeal of, "The Fall", the title track and "Circus" will likely be memorable tracks that will please everyone. The production is more refined than on their debut, the sound is richer and has more depth, you can hear the sum of the parts more clearly, and I like that. Overall, ' Destination Somewhere' is that this is a damn good, solid rock album with a lot of depth, one of those albums you can listen to over and over and still find something new or find yourself enjoying the songs you weren't so keen on first time around.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Thursday, May 19, 2016

CD REVIEW: SECOND SUN by Buffalo Summer




SECOND SUN by Buffalo Summer
(UDR Music)

Southern Welsh rockers Buffalo Summer are back with their highly anticipated sophomore release, 'Second Sun'. Andrew Hunt on vocals, Johnny Williams on guitar, Darren King on bass and Gareth Hunt on drums. The new album was produced by Barrett Martin (Screaming Trees, REM, Queens of The Stone Age, Walking Papers). The great thing about Buffalo Summer is they are not just re-hashing '70's rock. This album, like their self titled debut, is as fresh and contemporary as you could want.  Firmly planted deeply in the blues, the cool licks and riffs and grooves of this stunning offering will have you bouncing around the room. This album grabs you by the throat with three high energy numbers to start with, “Money",   “Heartbreakin' Floorshakin'”, “Make You Mine” and then rocks on with the highly addictive groove laden "Neverend".  From there on right through to the rebel rousing album closer, “Water To Wine”, it's a barnstorming series of rock 'n' roll attitude, each of which grabs you hook, line and sinker.  Classic rock never went away, it just needed some new impetus and these lads are just that, and should be at the forefront of a resurgence of this music. Buffalo Summer are very much a band where the whole is far greater that sum of it's parts. Those "parts" are actually really stellar musicians who work, write and play as a team, and who have produced a powerhouse of a recording that I highly recommend! If you don't find yourself singing along by the second listening, get your hearing checked as you must have gone deaf! Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

CD REVIEW: DEAD MAN'S VOICE by The New Roses




DEAD MAN'S VOICE by The New Roses
(Napalm Records)

Hailing from Germany, The New Roses, dish out classic hard rock that goes for the throat and takes no prisoners. That is what you can expect to experience with the band's highly anticipated sophomore release, 'Dead Man's Voice'. Serving up great riffs, meaty guitars and great songs. Comprised by Timmy Rough, guitarist, vocalist, Norman Bites guitarist, Hardy on bass and Urban Berz on drums. From the opening track "Heads Or Tails", I was hooked and continued to be for the rest of the album. Strong production from Markus Teske gives the songs an added power & mixed with some great choruses which should allow this to appeal to the masses. Other highlight are, "Thirsty", the title track, "Ride With Me", "What If It Was You" and "From Guns & Shovels". The album also features four bonus tracks, "The Secret", "Whiskey Nightmare", "It's A Long Way" and "Leave Me Alone", although, I have to say, any of the tracks would be a highlight on most other albums. Overall, 'Dead Man's Voice' is a powerhouse rock album from a band that deserves a lot more attention. It's the kind of rock album that you can totally sink your teeth into, and it's authentic in a way most bands only wish they could accomplish. If you missed out on this amazing rock band the first time around, this is your chance to hear what you've been missing.  Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

CD REVIEW: WELCOME TO THE WORLD by Massive Wagons




WELCOME TO THE WORLD 
by Massive Wagons
(Off Yer Rocka)

North West England rockers Massive Wagons are back with their latest offering in the form of, 'Welcome To The World'.
Barry Mills (vocals), Adam Thistlethwaite (guitar), Carl 'Flash' Cochrane (guitar), Adam Bowskill (bass) and  Alex Thistlethwaite (drums). I have to say I was a bit surprised. The band's previous release, ' Fight The System' was a solid listen from start to finish. The question I had was how would they top it? Man! They answered that question as soon as I pressed play and "Nails" shot out of my speakers! A riff induced rocker that just begs to cranked up as loud as possible! More rocking ensues with the next two tracks with "Tokyo" and the Celtic vibe of "Welcome To The World". Other tracks guaranteed to stimulate the senses include, "Ratio", "Sh1t Sweat Death", "Fighting Jack" the grove laden "Jodie" and the album closing, "Fee Fi Fo Fum". Plain and simple, the new album is absolutely and all out rocker! Massive Wagons deliver thrills with no questions asked, they delivers  a youthful verve, vitality and, inevitably, rebellion. Clearly, working their butts off around the clock to achieve success. 'Welcome To The World' is a stunningly executed release by a British rock band who are well on their way to global success and acclaim.  Anybody into any form of rock music that dishes out attitude and swagger should definitely check these bay boys out.- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society

Saturday, May 7, 2016

Artist Interview: Dan Patlansky : Man On A Mission



Dan Patlansky : Man On A Mission
Interview by The Dedicated Rocker Society
Photos by Nanette Grebe

South African guitar virtuoso Dan Patlansky has been the support act for Joe Satriani’s last twenty five dates of this European Tour.

He was selected by the legendary Satriani as special guest on the European and UK legs of his Shockwave Tour 2015 taking in twenty five shows across ten countries from 9 October to 10 November 2015.

Amidst ave reviews from European music press on the back of this tour, his 2015 UK album release ‘Dear Silence Thieves’, and 2012 album ’20 Stones’ both also reached the UK ITunes Top Twenty Blues Albums in the first week of November 2015.

He has also confirmed headline performances at London’s renowned venue The Borderline, as well as at the Planet Rockstock Festival in Wales in December 2015. An eight-show joint tour with British blues rockers King King in May 2016 as well as a further eighteen European shows in June 2016 are confirmed as part of the European launch of his new album ‘INTRO-VERTIGO’ which is being released worldwide in May 2016.

We caught up with the man himself. Asked him about Opening up for "The Boss", touring and his latest release, 'Introvertigo'.  Here's what Dan kindly shared with us.

Q: It wasn't till your 7th album “Dear Silence Thieves” became the No 1 Blues Rock album for 2014 and you opened for Springsteen that people became aware of you. How did this change your life and what did The Boss think?

Dan Patlansky: It was certainly a life changing happening! It really set up everything for us regarding the UK. Peter Noble contacted us shortly after the 2014 best albums were released and from there he put a team together for us. Since then the UK has been fantastic to us . Playing with the Boss also open many doors, it was a tough show because Bruce watched the whole show from the wings of the stage, which added a lot of pressure, but it turned out to be great. Bruce seemed to really dig the show.

Q: You opened for Joe Satriani as well. What was that experience like?

Dan Patlansky: That for me was the best experience I’ve ever had. Been listening to Joe since I was a kid, and it was unreal benign on tour with him. I learnt a great deal from him. He is the most consistencally brilliant performer and an all-round awesome bloke. That was a massive mile stone moment for me.


Q: The new album, 'Intovertigo', where did the title come from? How did you approach this album, as far as musical direction, versus, 'Dear Silence Thieves”?

Dan Patlansky: I came across the title while surfing the web last year. I found the word on the Urban dictionary . It really made sense to me because Ive experienced that feeling a lot over the years. Because Ive written all the songs, I see it as life through the eyes of an introvert. As far as the approach for the album, it was a very similar one to the last album. Song was king! That was the main focus through out. Inly after we had that down did we worry about the rest (Performance, guitar playing etc…). I really like working like that, and will find it tough to work any other way.

Q: There are ten songs on the album. How many songs did you actually write for the album?

Dan Patlansky: I know it sounds crazy but thats the way it worked out. I would write a tune and scrap it very early on if it wasn’t going in the right direction . So when we arrived at the studio I had only 10 and we had to make those 10 work. Pressure! That something I've always done.

Q: What' s the music scene like in South Africa? Who are your influences?

Dan Patlansky: Its a lot smaller than the UK specially in the scene I fall under, but saying that its a growing market with tons of very loyal fans. I believe the talent level is off the chart down here. The SA music scene still has many miles to travel, but is certainly on track for greatness. My influences are quite broad. I love guys like SRV, Hendrix, BB King , Beck, Ray Charles, Steven Wilson, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin , Oscar Peterson, Weather Report, Jaco Pastorious.


Q: How do you rank your favorite guitar players?

Dan Patlansky: That's a tough one because no art form has a yard stick to measure these things. I rank my favourite players are ranked on what they do for me when they play. The one thing in common is they move me in an undesirable
 way.

Q: Speaking of guitar players, you will be touring the UK with King King featuring Alan Nimmo. Are looking forward to that tour?

Dan Patlansky: Very much so!!! Im a big fan of King King! And have been for years, also they are a great bunch of blokes! They also stake me as a band that focus’s heavily on songs. I also think because they have such a great following it will be a fantastic chance for me to expose myself to different audiences . Can not wait!!!

Q: You, at one point toured a few months in New Orleans in 2005. While there you able to build up a strong following, but the tour was cut short due to Hurricane Katrina. What was that experience like?

Dan Patlansky: It was heavy to say the least. Coming from SA where the only natural disaster would be the way the government runs the country, a real hurricane was eye opening. It was real petty indeed, because we had great momentum built up. The hurricane its self was a horrifying beast, seeing that force of nature take hold of a unprepared city was shocking. I didn’t have to make to lose because I had only been there for a month or 2, but the poor people that lived there there whole lives got hit hard. Very painful to see.


Q: Are there any plans on returning and touring in America? Who would you like to tour with, if that becomes reality?

Dan Patlansky: I think we might look at some touring that side in 2017. We are currently focusing are efforts on the UK and Europe. I would really love to Tour with Rival sons as Im a big fan of what they do! But the reality is that there are hundreds of act I would kill to tour with.


For more information on 
Dan Patlansky, please visit:


Thursday, May 5, 2016

CD REVIEW: INTROVERTIGO by Dan Patlansky




INTROVERTIGO by Dan Patlansky
(Caroline International P&D)

South African bluesman Dan Patlansky has been making a name for himself as of late. He's opened for the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Joe Satriani. Wow! So why hadn't I heard for this talented musician before? Well, I found out what the buzz was all about after hearing and being throughly impressed with his 2014 release, 'Dear Silence Thieves'. I'm here to tell you, this guy is the real deal. He plays with genuine power, passion and soul. In 2016, Dan Patlansky returns will his latest offering, 'Introvertigo', and after listening to it after one spin, I believe it will justify Dan Patlansky's position as a leading light in the blues-rock arena.  Patlansky is one of few artists playing rocking blues with a modern edge - tangible, heartfelt, soul searching and full of fine songwriting; played with passion, vitality and simply stunning guitar work. The album opens with the pulsating groove of, "Run", which features both a memorable guitar line and strong chorus. Up next, the bluesy swing and swagger of, "Poor Old John" featuring a catchy guitar riff and strong vocals. A real highlight of the album is "Sonova Faith", a all out blues based rocker that begs to be crank to maximum volume. The rest of the album is simply stunning. Other highlights include, the soulful and passionate, "Loosen Up The Grip", "Stop The Messin'", the soulful charmer, "Still Wanna Be Your Man" and the album closing, "Queen Puree", a smoking blues rocker highlighted by Patlansky tasty guitar licks. All in all, 'Introvertigo' is a great balanced album which will appeal to existing fans and attract many more too. It really raises the bar and finds Dan Patlansky comfortable in his own identity. Whether your interest is in rock, singer songwriters or guitar based blues, this album is for you.  - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society