FREEDOM MACHINE
by Hard Driver
(Grooveyard Records)
If you're into power blues rock trios, you are going to want check out Hard Driver from Greece. The trio's debut release, 'Freedom Machine' is a powerhouse of a recording that is loaded with riffs and solos that jump out at from start to finish. Hard Driver is comprised of Stavros Papadopoulos on guitar & vocals and the powerful rhythm section of Jim Petridis on bass and Chris Lagios on drums. I can't even explain all the levels this album appeal on. Virtuoso playing that is modern but with an appealing retro vibe. Solid vocals and a lot of emotion all around. On first listen, it blew me away and have been surprised time and again with repeated listenings. Hendrix, Zeppelin, Cream, Trower, the very best of 60's and 70's rock have been channeled via these talented gentlemen. Highlights include; "Freedom Machine", "Ride To Live" "Mojo Man", "Electric Ride" and "Price To Pay". There's maybe some songs that are more appealing than others, but I didn't feel that any were just filler. Seriously, if you've been praying for unadulterated good ol' fashion hard rock, with plenty of guitar welding, chest pounding drums, and wicked bass, check out, Hard Driver's 'Freedom Machine', this bad boy delivers the goods in spades!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
THE NEW BREED
by The New Breed
(Broken Road Records)
UK rockers The New Breed breakout onto the scene with their self titled debut Ep loaded with five rocking songs guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping in no time flat!Hooks: a musical idea or short riff, passage, or phrase that catches the ear of the listener. Some bands have 'em, most don't. The New Breed have 'em in spades! Powered by J Michael Ward on vocals, David MacBryde on lead guitar, Tom McKay on rhythm guitar, Dan French on bass and Michael Whitmore on drums. The New Breed lay hooks so tasty everyone bites. From the slamming, full-tilt rush of "Soul Train (No Easy Way Out)" to supercharged movers like, "Lie To Me" , "Get Some" and "Heartbreaker" then closing this out in rocking fashion with, "Black Seas, High Tides". the band's self titled Ep never lets up. In fact, it is fair to say that rock has rarely been rolled with such vehement stamina, and The New Breed deliver the goods. The bottom line is that the band have served up a album, even though just a Ep, filled with solid songs that are well-performed and catchy to boot. If your taste is for rock music laced with swagger and panache, then you'll love The New Breed.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
VOLANDO by Tracy G Grijalva
(Spooky G Music)
The latest creation from guitarist, Tracy G Grijalva comes to us in the form of the stunning acoustic, 'Volando', which translates into flying and this is what your senses will experience once you listen. The recording also features Ray Luzier on percussions. An absolutely stunning recording from a true musical savant. Grijalva really gets into his own groove here, incorporating not just his Latin heritage but a modern sound that is both artistically tasteful and well mannered as well still being inherently complex and beautiful. 'Volando' is a masterpiece in regards to composition and song selection. From the opening, "Zapatos Bailadores", you can't help but be drawn in and be captured by other tracks like, "Facil Y Suave", "El Conejo" and "Primera Luz". Tracy G Grijalva is a very innovative guitarist. Some of his music requires listening in depth for the average listener. This is a great example of the genius of Tracy G Grijalva; revel in it, be absorbed by it and take it to heart. Prepare to be amazed, delighted, and bewildered by the unique talent known as Tracy G Grijalva on 'Volando'.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
HORIZON by Owl Company
(Independent Release)
'From the first cut to the last cut the Brazilian based rock outfit known as Owl Company weave an musical intensity that bombard your senses. That is what you can expect your senses to be exposed to once you listen to their debut release, 'Horizon'. This album practically leaps out and throws you against the wall with the intro that explodes into "Celebrate And Kneel" with Enrico Minelli's go for the throat vocals, Felipe Ruiz's monster riffs and the rock solid foundation of the air tight rhythm section of bassist Fabio Yamamoto and drummer Thiago Biasoli. Other track highlights are, "Play With Fire", "Riddles", "Black N' Blue" and the album closer, "Underdog". This album has a driving feel that really doesn't let up until the last song. The Owl Company are the type of band that I'd play for friends who never heard them, and they immediately become converts afterwards, wondering to themselves why they hadn't heard of them before. 'Horizon' is a monsters of head banging hard rock album that is packed witb memorable hooks and enough power to cause blackouts in medium size cities. It's balls to the walls, with thunderous riffs, and an overall FU attitude like Rock should be played. The Owl Company deliver the goods on this debut outing. They light the package on fire and kick down your front door to give you a good hard rock ass kicking!
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SMOKE ON THIS... by Rex Brown
(eOne Music)
'The debut release from Rex Brown (Pantera/Down/Kill Devil Hill), 'Smoke On This...', should have a warning sticker on it that reads, "Caution: Intense Riffiage Inside!" I knew just by looking at the cover that Rex Brown was going kick my ass! What a powerhouse of a album that goes for the throat from start and doesn't loosen it's chokehold on your senses until the last song. Rex Brown, shows his musical versatility by tracking the lead vocals, rhythm guitars, and bass, working with his primary collaborator and old friend, Lance Harvill, a Nashville-based guitarist and songwriter, on the album’s songs. The drums were tracked by Christopher Williams, himself no stranger to diverse tastes. His talent has been utilized by the likes of the reformed Blackfoot and most recently, Heavy Metal legends Accept. All 11 tracks are supercharged packed with tons of swagger and attitude. Highlights include, "Lone Rider", "Crossing Lines", Train Song, "What Comes Around..." and "Best Of Me". Great production , bad ass guitar riffs with an a monster rhythm section. 'Smoke On This...' by Rex Brown is the reason why volume nobs that go past "11" on tower of Marshall stacks were made. Trust me when I say, you can't play this album loud enough! A monster of a debut outing and one the best hard rock album you will experience this year.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
RECTIFIER by The Lad Classic
(Our Audio Kin Records)
'The Toronto based rockers, The Lad Classic is a band with rock grooves to will make you move in way unimaginable. With classic rock influences the band have their own vibe without sounding dated or old-fashioned. The band is comprised of, Paul Stevens on vocals, Ben Healey on guitars and vocals, Tyson Hissler on bass and Josiah Whitney on drums. Every track on the band's latest release, 'Rectifier' is good enough to be a single, there is no filler at all. It really makes you feel good, the energy and passion in each track is a great break from the usual fodder thrown out for the masses. Highlights include, "Hip Shaker", "Are You With Me" "Halfway To Memphis", "Who" and "I've Got Your Sympathy". This is music that makes you stop, listen and appreciate it. Retro and yet avant garde, the past and the future in perfect harmony. The band are so tight its frightening and Paul Stevens' voice really stands out. He's exactly what you want in a rock n roll singer. 'Rectifier' is a premium rock and roll album, served dirty with extra helpings of swagger and soul. It buzzes with energy, bristles with power and blows you away in the sheer quality and diversity of music flowing into your ears. If you are an eclectic lover of rock, blues music and love awesome musicianship, inspiring vocals, evocative lyrics by a band that exudes excitement and passion check out The Lad Classic, they are just what the doctor ordered.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
FACES IN THE SAND PART ONE by Jupiter Falls
(Independent Release)
'Faces In The Sand Pt.', the latest release from the five piece hard rock band from the UK, is explosive, ripe with awesome hooks, fiery riffs & throat-busting vocals. A devastating blend of thoughtful lyrics, rich textures, technical prowess and balls out crunch. It's addictive to the point of requiring a twelve-step program. Just an unreal combination of musicians. Jupiter Falls are James Hart, lead guitarist Deano Silk, rhythm guitarist Zachari Daniels, bass guitarist Dan Clark and Drummer Luke Hatfield. After being impressed with their previous outing, 'Revolution', which was produced by Roy Z., I was curious to hear if this band was just a flash in the pan or the real deal? Ah, they are the real deal folks and they prove that right off the bat. There are great moments here, highlighted by tracks like, "Welcome To My World", "Nothing To Me", "Sickened" "It's Your Problem Now" and epic title track that closes the album. A deep album that requires multiple listens, but the songwriting unveils that each listen uncovers additional layers. There is enough diversity within that the band keep the ideas fresh and it take you on a intense and memorable listening experience.
- Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
