CD REVIEW: MADAME LIBERTANAH by Bohemian Lifestyle

MADAME LIBERTANAH by Bohemian Lifestyle
(Attitude Recordings)

Listening to the latest release from Swedish rockers, 'Madame Libertanah' by Bohemian Lifestyle is like getting a good grade on a test you didn't study for, or finding a four-leaf clover. The music isn't incredibly intense nor is it innovative, but what it lacks in innovation it more than makes us for in jump-up-and-down fun. The band is comprised of, Daniel Gustafsson (Keyboard/Vocals), Filip Conic (Lead Guitar), Richard Lindström (Drums) and Pontus Viberg (Lead Vocals/Guitar). 'Madame Libertanah'  is 100% energy throughout with contrasts in tempo and heaviness. These are tightly crafted songs with more hooks than a fisherman's tackle box. Their songs are refreshingly structured and predictable in a way that is wholeheartedly gratifying. A combination of '90's loud guitar rock, '80's energy, and '70's glam. Songs like "Libertánah ", "Fool's Mask", and "A Brighter Day " are good old fashioned power pop gems. While tracks like, "Woodlands", "Coming Back Around" and "Superman" are guaranteed to satisfy you riff cravings. Songs on this album have a certain staying power that you won't find with most artists in this genre. This is one of those recordings I feel crosses all boundaries in the world of rock music. Like other hard rocking European band's that have came before them, Bohemian Lifestyle know the power of a good riff, and this album is chock block full of enough to keep air guitarists around the world throwing the windmill shape until their arms are ready to fall out of their sockets. 'Madame Libertanah'  is unapologetically radio-friendly and a hell of a lot of fun. It's vibe is so contagious, it practically yanks you out of your seat and commands you to move! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: MADRID/TEXAS by Jorge Salán & The Mystic Jaywalkers

MADRID/TEXAS by Jorge Salán & The Mystic Jaywalkers 
(Rock Estatal Records)

Consider to be one of the best guitarist from Spain Jorge Salán introduces his latest project, The Majestic Jaywalkers (Juan Carlos Gibaja on bass, Edu Brenes on drums and Pau Alvarez on keyboards) and their debut release, 'Madrid/Texas'. The album features 8 smoking renditions of Blues classics.  This is a complete album from top to bottom. It is a record that need to played entirely and enjoyed as such. Jorge Salán's guitar work is fantastic and the band sounds as if they are having the time of their lives. Jorge Salán's tone is amazing and wears his influenes with pride and acknowledges them, more so that he puts them into overdrive and takes these Blues classics to new heights.  As Jorge Salán  and The Mystic Jaywalkers certainly do on classics like, "Who's Been Talking" (Howlin' Wolf), "The Hunter" (Albert King) and smoking rendition of B.B. King's (R.I.P.), "The Thrill Is Gone".  Also worth mentioning are, "So Hard To Share"( John Mayall And The Bluesbreakers) and the album closing, "The Sky Is Crying"(Elmore James). Jorge Salán' and The Mystic Jaywalkers takes the listener through the album, song by song, taking you by surprise many times, delighting your ears with familiar yet somehow very fresh sounds built around the loose constructs of blues rock. It's one of those recordings where I found myself impressed on first listen, and engrossed completely by my second spin through. It is tasteful and soulful. A great selection of tunes, as well, that expose different tasty elements of playing. If you like the electric blues and the "old school" sound from the past you should check this recording out! Jorge Salán has the ability to mix various genres and influences into his style of blues and his talent on guitar puts him over the top in my book. - Highly Recommended
Tony @The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: LONG ROAD MADE OF GOLD by Kamchatka

LONG ROAD MADE OF GOLD by Kamchatka

(Despotz Records)

Swedish power rock trio Kamchatka return with their latest release, 'Long Road Made Of Gold'. Thomas "Juneor" Andersson on Guitar & vocals, Per Wiberg on bass, keyboards & vocals and Tobias Strandvik on drums. Deeply rooted in the British heavy blues-rock of the seventies and the US classic rock of the same era. 'Long Road Made Gold' is rock music with some stunning, guitar riffs that meld masterfully with periodic prog/psych elements. Big, pounding drums and a gut-throbbing bass provide the background for solid vocals and song arrangements that you can hum along to while head-nodding your way to hard rock heaven. As the band kick out the jams on tracks like, "Take Me Back Home", "Get Your Game On", "Human Dynamo" and the album closing, "Devil Dance". Twelve tracks total all are sure to satisfy. Kamchatka really kick it into overdrive, without missing a beat. The trio are high energy with classic sounding riffs. The songs and solos are very free flowing with great rhythmic presence. This is the type of music which makes me picture my old turntable, and my Cerwin-Vega speakers cranking out all those watts pissing off the neighbors. Too many bands nowadays approach songwriting as a matter of cutting-and-pasting riffs together in Pro Tools; Kamchatka's music feels organic, as if the songs were honed from epic jam sessions. Kamchatka are the real deal. More of this, please! - Highly Recommended

Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: LITTLE BROTHER IS WATCHING by Bumblefoot

LITTLE BROTHER IS WATCHING by Bumblefoot
(Bumblefoot Music LLC)

Bumblefoot returns with his 10th studio release, 'Little Brother Is Watching'. The album was composed, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Bumblefoot at his studio in New Jersey, and also features drummer Dennis Leeflang and a crowd of 100 fans stomping, chanting and singing backing vocals recorded at a listening party in New York. When you listen to this recording you will be treated with mind altering compositions, amazing guitar work, melodic vocals, well placed arrangements and witty and thoughtful lyrics. You see, musicians of this caliber have never displayed the humility, frivolity and utter ease that characterizes this work. Too often, ego gets in the way. Bumblefoot is clearly not trying to prove anything. He's just slamming out some exhilarating rock music, and sounding like he's having a blast doing it. His music sounds so stunningly effortless, yet scarily complicated to us mere mortals. The songs are punchy power pop-ish rock with killer melodies and mind-blowing guitar bits. As displayed on the title track, "Argentina", "Livin' The Dream", "Higher" and the riff laden, "Women Rule The World".  'Little Brother Is Watching', is the rare combination of great songwriting ability, and some of the most amazing playing you'll ever hear. It's a great album for shred guitar lovers to throw in the cd player on road trips and not have their girlfriend/wife tearing their hair out and screaming at you. It is very sophisticated and there are many little musical treats that you will discover along the way if you listen to it over and over and over again. 'Little Brother Is Watching' is such a fun album that you can't help but be in a good mood! If you do not wish to have a deficiency in the soundtrack to your life, get your hands on this recording. Then get your hands on everything else Bumblefoot has done.  This is one of those extraordinary musicians whose work belongs in every music fan's collection, regardless of idiomatic preference. Don't miss out. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

ARTIST INTERVIEW: LEIGH MATTY of ROMEO'S DAUGHTER

Leigh Matty of Romeo's Daughter 
Talks To The Dedicated Rocker Society
Interview by Tony Sison

British AOR mainstream rock band Romeo's Daughter are back with their fourth studio release, 'Spin'. Leigh Matty (Lead Vocals), Craig Joiner (Guitar), Ed Poole (Bass), Tony Mitman (Keys) and Andy Wells (Drums) deliver a premium blend of melodic rock that goes down smooth like a shot of whiskey. The new album captures all of Romeos Daughters' style and verve with a little bit more on the side. Well-crafted melodic rock that sticks in your head. In this era of empty headed corporate robot music for the masses, it is refreshing to hear such thoughtful and powerful music. 

Leigh Matty was kind enough to give me the lowdown on the band's latest release, 'Spin' and the band's plans on coming to America. 

Q:. The new album is titled 'Spin', are you satisfied with how album turned out? 

Leigh Matty: Hi Tony – yes, we are all very happy with how Spin turned out ( in fact, I would go as far to say that I think it might be my favourite Romeo’s Daughter to date!)

Q: How long did 'Spin' take to record? How many songs did you actually write for the album? 

Leigh Matty : It actually took about 1 year to record but it has taken about 3 years between our last album ‘Rapture ‘and Spin to be released. The reason it seems to have taken so much time is that we ‘worked’ and promoted Rapture all of 2012 and early 2013, so only starting getting the song ideas after that – once we had decided which songs we wanted to demo, it all went quite quickly from then and we finished the album pretty much at the end of 2014. The reason why we have held off releasing it earlier is that we wanted to wait for a tour so we could promote it properly. The tour in question is starting on May 1 st where we are opening for a fantastic band called FM (who we opened for on our first ever tour in 1989!) We have come full circle!

Q: I listened to the "Spin Sampler" on YouTube. I think the songs sound amazing! Which song is slated to be the lead off single? Will there be a video shot for the song? 

Leigh Matty: Thanks for your kind comments – we have decided to promote ‘Touch’ as our lead single and the video is going to be live on Face Book from today ( Fri 24 th ) We plan to make as many promo videos as we can for this album as there are quite a few tracks that we feel are worthy of one! We actually film, edit and produce them ourselves so there is no reason why we can’t do them all (although finding the time is sometimes tricky!)

Q: Memorable moments, good or bad in the making of 'Spin'?

Leigh Matty:  Every record that we make is memorable as we haven’t made that many of them! It has been such a joy to reform and play together again and the response to us now is just as good if not better than the 1 st time around –hopefully we will stay together this time for the foreseeable future ( well as long as our fans still want to hear us!) 

Q: This past March, I believe, you performed at The HRH AOR festival. In your opinion, how did that show go for you? Which songs off 'Spin', did you perform? Was that performance captured on video for a possible DVD release? 

Leigh Matty: We have always enjoyed playing at HRH and this was our 2 nd invitation since we reformed. We decided to be brave and we played 2 new songs off Spin ( why I say we were brave is that we only had a 45 mins set so to put 2 new songs that no one has heard before in it was pretty nerve wracking!) The 2 songs were Touch and Radio and they both went down really well which was a huge relief.

Q: I understand there are plans on doing shows here in the States next year. When was the last time you guys toured the States? Who did you guys tour with then? Who would like to tour with now? 

Leigh Matty: Unfortunately, we never got around to playing in the USA . We did 2 radio tours to promote the 1 st 2 singles of our first album as they were so well received over there, but due to poor representation and bad management, we never got around to playing live – it was a huge disappointment and a regret of ours. We would be so happy if we were invited to do some gigs over there and live in hope that someday it will happen! 

Q:  The musical industry has changed since you guys broke out onto the music scene in 1988. How have you been able to adapt to the many changes the music industry has gone through? 

Leigh Matty: I actually think we have all adapted really well to the changes and most of them, we prefer! We have got pretty much complete control of our product and as we all have home studios, we have been able to record everything in house – we make all our own videos as well and are enjoying getting to grips with the new technology. 

Q: Speaking of changes, Twitter, Facebook, these social media outlets were not around when you came out in 1988. In your opinion, how has social media help promote your band? 

Leigh Matty: We wouldn’t be able to do any of this without Face Book and Twitter! It has been a life saver for us as it has been the only way to reach out to our fans and the word has spread from there. We have our own website –www.romeosdaughter.co.uk which is kept really up to date but really everything goes through FB first – I am a big fan! 

Q: Any parting comments you'd like to pass along to your fans here in the States? 

Leigh Matty:We would love the opportunity to come over and play some gigs for you so please spread the word! Thanks so much for all your support and hope you like ‘Spin’ Love Leigh xx 

For more information on Romeo's Daughter, please visit:
http://romeosdaughter.co.uk/

CD REVIEW: WHITE BIRD/BURN THE SKY by Palace Of The King

WHITE BIRD/BURN THE SKY 
by Palace Of The King
(Devil's Music Records)

Having grown up in the 70's and 80's, 'White Bird/Burn The Sky' the debut release from Aussie based rockers, Palace Of The King fires on all cylinders for me. The band is comprised of, Tim Hewood, Vocals & Percussion, Leigh Maden on guitars, Matthew Harrison on guitars, Andrew Gilpin on bass guitar, Anthony Troiano on drums and Sean Johnston on keyboards. If you have never heard of Palace Of The King, do yourself a favor and get this release. This is REAL rock music like it's meant to be played. Raw, Energetic, Imaginative, and Boundary-pushing. From the opening riff of "Take Your Medicine" you are placed on familiar but fresh musical ground. The vocal stylings of Tim Hewood are a cross between early Geddy Lee of Rush and Burke Shelly from Budgie. His vocal phrasings and whiskey blues vocals are what pushes these songs over the top and make them instant classics. "No Chance In Hell", "Another Thing Coming", "Leave Me Behind", "Devil's Daughter" and "Get Back Up (Burn The Sky)", are guaranteed to get your rock and roll juices flowing in no time flat. The guitars courtesy of Leigh Maden and Matthew Harrison are just big gigantic riffs which the songs revolve around heavily colored with fuzz pedals and slide effects. It's evident that these lads were heavily influenced by guitar legends like Jimmy Page and Paul Kossoff. Andrew Gilpin, bass playing is awesome, and Anthony Troiano on drums has that "John Bonham" thing going on which adds to the classic rock feel that runs through all of the tunes. Sean Johnston's keyboards playing is tastefully done. They don't overtake any of the songs, but embellish them by adding substance. There is a freshness and spark to the songs that give them a magical type quality when the music is blasting out of your speakers. Palace Of The King serve up ass-kickin’, gutsy, rock ‘n’ roll for rockers who want to experience pure rock and roll ecstasy. Put simply, Palace Of The King are the real deal, and they rock like a Mother! - Highly Recommended 
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: ISLA DE MUERTA by Ten

ISLA DE MUERTA by Ten
(Rocktopia Records)

Considered to be one of the premier melodic rock bands to come out of the UK, Ten return with the highly anticipated, 'Isla De Muerta', the band's 12th studio recording.  Named after the mythical ‘Island Of The Dead‘ from Pirates legend. The new album has that classic melodic rock vibe reminiscent of Magnum and Rainbow. Gary Hughes' songwriting is prolific and impressive as ever. The band sounds tight and simply amazing. Together creating a recording of epic proportions. There's a splendid combination of epic rockers and intoxicating ballads on this one. Stand outs include, "Dead Men Tell No Tales,”, “Tell Me What To Do”, “The Dragon And Saint George.”, "Acquiesce" "Intensify" and "The Last Pretender", are destined to become instant Ten classics. What would a Ten recording be without ballads? Gary Hughes tackles the meaning of love and passion that through some kind of miracle puts that most powerful of emotions into words. As he exhibits on, "This Love", and "We Can Be As One " these songs will melt your heart.  After listening to 'Isla De Muerta', I found myself interactively engaged with the music, craving a deeper understanding of the lyrics, wanting to decipher the musical passages, and trying to imagine myself as a character in the dramatic scenes that were playing out. The bottom line is no matter what Ten set out to do whether they go for all out rockers or heart touching ballads, the end result is the same, they're all winners! 'Isla De Muerta' will take your imagination on an adventure to the days of Black Beard and The Jolly Roger. Like the near-perfect details in these songs, the names of this recording and the band were not chosen by accident. There is a right way and a wrong way in creating a rock album, and Ten consistently does it right.  You can't hear it all at once. You will find something new within the album every time you listen to it. Simply powerful and amazing! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: SPIN by Romeo's Daughter

SPIN by Romeo's Daughter
(RD Records)

UK AOR veterans Romeo's Daughter return with their highly anticipated follow-up to their 2012 release, 'Rapture' with, 'Spin', the band's fourth studio release. Leigh Matty (Lead Vocals), Craig Joiner (Guitar), Ed Poole (Bass), Tony Mitman (Keys) and Andy Wells (Drums) deliver another premium blend of melodic rock that goes down smooth like a shot of whiskey. Voted as one of Top Female singers in 2012 by Classic Rock Magazine, Leigh Matty's vocals on this album are sensual and amazing than ever. It amazes me that Romeo's Daughter didn't get the recognition they truly deserved in America when they broke out in 1988 with two AOR classics, "I Cry Myself To Sleep" and "Heaven's (In The Back Seat)". Well, that is going  all going to change once people hear what the band bring on this new recording. From start to finish, 'Spin' is superb! The production is stunning, the songwriting and musicianship are top notched. The album opens with the pulsating mover, "Touch", followed up by the melodic gems,  "Already Gone", "Enemy", "Radio" and the arresting charm of, "Love Will Come To Those Who Wait".  Not a weak track amongst the bunch. All the songs are loaded with hooks that will having singing along in no time flat. 'Spin' is a stunning AOR  recording of the highest calibre.  It captures all of Romeos Daughters' style and verve with a little bit more on the side. Well-crafted melodic rock that sticks in your head. In this era of empty headed corporate robot music for the masses, it is refreshing to hear such thoughtful and powerful music. Highly recommended to fans of intense melodic rock. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/ All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: AMERICAN TRASH by Beauvoir Free

AMERICAN TRASH by Beauvoir Free
(Frontier Records)

Jean Beauvoir and Micki Free the driving forces behind the self titled debut of AOR legends Crown Of Thorns in 1994 have reunited to form their new project, Beauvoir Free and release their  highly anticipated debut recording, 'American Trash'. The duo sought out to recapture that magic they created in Crown Of Thorns and I'm here to say Jean Beauvoir and Micki Free have recreated that magic flawlessly! 'American Trash' is simply a powerhouse of recording. The biggest treat, to me, is the killer vocals that Jean Beauvoir delivers on this record. His singing is incredibly soulful and powerful and easy on the ears. Micki Free' s guitar work from start to finish is soulful and spicey. The proof is in the songs, and you can pretty much pick any of the songs on this recording at random and find an absolutely killer single worthy melodic rocker. "Angels Cry", "Morning After", the title track,"Whiplash", and "Shotgun To The Heart" are particularly convincing. There have been some really good melodic rock releases so far this year, but with 'American Trash' has a top spot reserved on my "Best Rock Albums of 2015 List". Rarely do I like every song on an album but these guys nailed it.  I could not be more pleased with every aspect of what Jean Beauvoir and Micki Free have created with 'American Trash', from the song writing to the excellent guitar work to the great hooks, you will love this album period. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: INDESTRUCTIBLE by House Of Lords

INDESTRUCTIBLE by House Of Lords
(Frontier Records)

Rock veterans House Of Lords return with their latest release, 'Indestructible', the band's tenth studio album, the new record sees the new line-up celebrating their first ten years together. James Christian – vocals Jimi Bell - guitars Chris McCarvill – bass guitars BJ Zampa - drums. This time around the band serve up a melodic blend of rock music with an edge. James Christian's vocals sound better than ever. He's got power and melody, pitch perfect delivery, and a natural swagger. The chemistry between, Jimi Bell, Chris McCarvill and  BJ Zampa is tight like white on rice. That tight chemistry comes alive right from the get go with, "Go To Hell" and continues on with the title track, and the melodic gem, "Pillar Of Salt". The band have no problem turning it up the as they put on display on, "100 Mph" and "Call My Bluff". Other highlights include; "Eye Of The Storm", "Die To Tell" and "Stand And Deliver". Front to back, 'Indestructible' is a well made album of melodic hard rock with an edge. Great vocals combined with top notch musicianship.  Every song is thought provoking and just rocks! The House Of Lords have once again released an album full of soaring choruses, awesome guitar work and songs that grab you from the first listen and don't let go. Put it in and turn up the volume! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: SUPER ATOMIC by Kickin Valentina

SUPER ATOMIC by Kickin Valentina
(Highway 9 Records)

Atlanta based rockers Kickin Valentina explode onto the scene with their latest release, the six song Ep, 'Super Atomic ', a real kick in the teeth, especially compared to the stuff mainstream radio tries to pass off as "Rock". Kicking Valentina takes the wild energy of bands like L.A. Guns, Skid Row and Bang Tango and makes it catchier, more rawer with tons of swagger and attitude. The band is comprised of, Joe Edwards (Vocals), Heber Pampillon (Guitar), Chris Taylor (Bass), Jimmy Berdine (Drums).  The guitar hooks on, 'Super Atomic' are just insane. The vocals also rock like that of a hurricane, with sneering odes to living fast, partying hard and little else, and choruses you absolutely have to shout along with. This is a total party rock album, and one that's impossible to listen to sitting down. Songs like "On My Side", "Wrong Way", "When You're Gone", are ideal attitude-fuelled rock anthems, "Fist N Twists" and "Super Atomic Poster Boy" are more party rockers. Beyond the large choruses, the heavy riffs, the guitar melodies and solos, what makes Kickin Valentina a force to be reckoned with is the fact that it they sound convincing; their attitude is real, the swagger they bring is real and the passion in performance undeniable. These boys kick out the jams big time!  The bottom line is, their songs rock, and beg to be cranked up to full volume! Rock it loud and with the windows down. Rock is alive and well. Kickin Valentina are here to rock your foundation. In this dying need of pure adrenaline, attitude and fist raising rock, Kickin Valentina might be the answer we all have been waiting for. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine

CD REVIEW: HOLLOW SHRINE by The SixxiS

HOLLOW SHRINE by The SixxiS
(Glassville Records)

For those who appreciate variant musical styles, 'Hollow Shrine', the full length debut release by the Atlanta based band, The SixxiS, should be a no-brainer for your collection. It's an absolutely stunning album from start to finish. The SixxiS is comprised of Vladdy Iskhakov (lead vocals, violin, piano, and rhythm guitar), Mark Golden (bass guitar, synth), and Josh “JBake” Baker (drums, percussion, pads, vocals). They have also recently added multi-instrumentalists Paul Sorah and Cameron Allen to their lineup. Each member of the band brings a completely different influence to the compositions, giving the band its life and a sound that separates itself from everything else. The mix of rock, progressive rock, and catchy hooks is prefect. 'Hollow Shrine' is a superb effort of well-written songs and creative arrangements. The band are tight and the songs do a good job of taking the band's influences by injecting a progression of 'twists' and big endings. I had to reawaken my brain to really take in the immense intricacies in each song and by the end of this I was completely in awe of the brilliance of a band. What stands out from the outset is the production and mixing of the album where every instrument simply shines with strength. The more complex cuts will probably not appeal to a mainstream demographic, although some tracks like "Dreamers", "Long Ago" and "Forgotten Son" will catch the average listener's attention with their riveting melodies. Other highlights include; "Home Again","Waste Of Time", "Out Alive" and "Weeping Willow Tree". The SixxiS manage to fuse powerful lyrics and melodies with searing riffs and technical complexity. Rare is the band that pulls off such a cacophony of stylistic nonconformity and makes it work. The SixxiS not only makes it work, but makes it enjoyable to listen to. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society/All Access Magazine