Dirty Honey – Can’t Find The Brakes
Dirty Honey – Can’t Find the Brakes
Dirt Records
Release Date: 03/11/23
Running Time: 36:46
Review by Paul Hutchings
8/10
I’ve only seen Dirty Honey once, supporting Rival Sons in the Great Hall in Cardiff in 2022. They had a confidence that was far too much for a newish band, but it’s evident within their new record “Can’t Find the Brakes” that that confidence has evolved into a swagger that fans of The Black Crowes, The Temperance Movement and the like should get fully involved with as soon as possible.
I may be preaching to the converted, for I know that the band created quite a stir when they toured earlier this year, selling out most venues across the UK and Europe. With new drummer Jaydon Bean replacing Corey Coverstone earlier this year, Dirty Honey have discovered new vigour that came from being able to record together, unlike the circumstances that prevented them doing so for their self-titled debut in 2021. A month together in Australia with producer Nick DiDia proved to be beneficial and the result is a polished, glittering affair that is sure to catapult the band even higher.
Ten tracks of smouldering quality lie in wait for the listener here. Each has its own slightly different style and tempo, despite the underlying groove that makes you want to get off your arse and dance. The opening trio nail Dirty Honey’s colours clearly to the mast. They are here to make you smile, to make you sing, to make you move. The more measured songs, the ballad if you like, come a little later, with ‘Roam’ bringing a calmer, more melancholic approach. There’s still some fantastic guitar work from John Notto, whilst the rich tones of singer Marc LaBelle soothe the soul.
There’s more gentleness on ‘Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire)’, and some delightful acoustic work accompanying LaBelle, followed by the thumping title track which is one of the most impressive songs here. A thumper from start to finish, it has an underlying heaviness that demonstrates that underneath all of this, there lies a true hard rocking band. There is still a raw vibrance to this band that one hopes they will always retain. Get your ears around “Can’t Find the Brakes”. You won’t be disappointed.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Don’t Put Out the Fire
02. Won’t Take Me Alive
03. Dirty Mind
04. Get A Little High
05. Roam
06. Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire)
07. Can’t Find the Brakes
08. Satisfied
09. Ride On
10. You Make it All Right
LINE-UP:
Marc LaBelle – Vocals
John Notto – Guitar
Justin Smolian – Bass
Jaydon Bean – Drums
LINKS:
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