Southern Rock

Interview with SONS OF LIBERTY

Interview with SONS OF LIBERTY
Interviewed by Paul Hutchings
10/02/2023

Sons of Liberty is a Southern rock band from the West Country. They’ve been around as Sons of Liberty for nearly a decade and have a high pedigree, with appearances across Europe as well as several high-profile festivals in the UK. A couple of warm up shows for their forthcoming UK tour (more of that later) saw them return to the excellent Patriot – Home of Rock in Crumlin just outside Newport, Wales. Paul headed down to catch the show, with support from Blackwater Redemption, and took the opportunity for a quick chat with four of the band, Fred Hale (guitar), Rob Walker (vocals), Mark Thomas (bass) and Steve Byrne (drums).

We began by exploring the band’s history. Sons of Liberty formed in 2014. “Yeah, nine years” confirms Fred.

How did the band get together?

Fred: We started out as a kind of southern rock covers band apart from Rob. The rest of us, have been in bands, around Bristol and the South Wales area so we knew each other anyway.

Rob: Yeah, we’re very old. But I’ve never dirtied myself with the Bristol thing! (He’s a Brummie).

Fred: We had the idea of setting the band up. We knew who we wanted to ask to be in the band, but unfortunately none of them wanted to be in it, so we ended up this motley crew! (cue laughter from around the room) And then Rob joined last year. Back in 2016/17 we decided to have a go out right in our own stuff and it was it was really timely. Bands like Blackstone Cherry, Whiskey Myers, Blackberry Smoke, The Cadillac Three were starting that whole thing, so we just sort of decided it was a good thing to do. We went into basically demo for the first EP. It went down as well as the other stuff we were doing so we just got the bug again. We’d all been in original bands. When we were young, you know, in the scene. Then the music scene moved away from guitar & bass music. It completely died and then it’s massively picked up with the new wave of classic rock stuff.

It’s worth interjecting here because whilst the NWOCR is certainly a movement that seems to continue to gain momentum, does a Southern Rock band necessarily fit?

Fred: I think the thing is, you know, we were around the first time. Yeah, Back then Reading wasn’t a metal festival. You had Blackfoot, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Iron Maiden, Thin Lizzy, Susie Quattro all on the same bill as Black Sabbath, it was just music back then. I think the press of created the distinctions but it’s just rock music, guitar-based rock music… and that’s back.

It’s certainly a valid point. When you are writing about music, the range and breadth of genres that are described in the EPKs can be overwhelming.

Rob: As the boys say, at the end of the day, music is music. And if you like it, you like it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s, southern, whether it’s metal, or whether it’s rock, it’s music at the end of the day, it makes us all get up in the morning and it makes my heart burst every single day. Playing with these guys, it’s been so much fun, because it’s so far away from all the other styles, you know, the death metal and the black metal that everybody’s captioning these days. It’s just fun and that’s the way that music that moves you should be.
And you should be able to listen to southern rock and then put on the Darkthrone album and then put on a Bolt Thrower album, then put on Iron Maiden. God, if you shoot my playlist on Spotify you’d be absolutely mortified. Everything from, you know, Tamela Motown through to Lamb of God. How could you pocket that into one thing?20 labels.

The change in the way music happens and is created is obviously very different to when Sons (and I!) were first listening to rock. I suggest that bands like Mason Hill and Those Damn Crows would have been hitting the top of the UK album charts in the 80s.

Yeah, of course. Yeah. It seems different, you know, it’s a lot more on independence now. And bands, you can self-release your music. We’re not tied to a label. We do it ourselves because unless you’re really on a massive major label, it’s not much point. But the scene is really healthy because it’s very easy to get music out. You can do it yourself.

Yeah, and we’ve got so much good music. Great platforms as well that you’re able to get that music out on, you know, and obviously the social medias and the, the Internet sort of things now, has made it so much easier for you to get that music out there and the fans will then appreciate that and then that’s down to them, you know?

Rob: I think that’s one of the things that I really liked about joining these guys was because people just like what they do. And then I became encapsulated in that. Oh my god. People like what we do. And it’s infectious and I think that’s the thing with the music that we do, and you know the new album that’s coming out is infectious. Yeah. And it will continue to be there.

At this point we backtrack a little to the band’s debut release in 2019. It was released just in time for the pandemic to strike.

Steve: Yeah, we were going to tour it and then Covid hit, Yeah, 2019. We started to tour it and we had loads lined up in 2020.

Fred: It started well, the album came out in September, or October. And so, we had the tail end of the year which was great and then 2020 was, well, we had 50 or 60 gigs booked … we were going to be here, there, and everywhere. And we got to March, and we think this is, you know just starting to kick off, everything’s looking good. Then we had well, not just us but the world.

(During the time off the road, the band were creative in that they wrote the next album “Aces & Eight”, utilising the bizarre difference in regional tiers to get together to work on the music). When our area was in tier four, Plymouth was in tier two, so we were able to go down and record it.

Was the band able to do anything differently because of the time available?

Fred: Yeah. When we were able to get into a rehearsal studio, you know, we did use the time really well. I think we did a few online performances; we did a lot during that period, and that meant that we really hit the ground running when we came out of it.

Rob: I’d not joined you boys before that point, but I watched so many bands fold over the whole period because they couldn’t get together or they couldn’t find what they were supposed to do, and they’d got no direction. To see you guys come out on the ball was amazing.

Returning to the return to live shows, we share some experiences about seated shows.

We did a couple of of the seated ones which was weird but people were so like pleased to get out again and do it. Yeah, 80 capacity and a 500-person venue. We played 200 cap venue in Chesterfield, and we got there, and there was just all these tables laid out and there here wasn’t a lot of tables. We were saying, What’s going on here? And then when people turned up and nobody was allowed to stand up or do anything and it was table service. Yeah, it was like playing to a room full of corpses. It was really weird, it was really good when you were on stage, and these people sat there head banging in their seats. For a lot of people we were one of the first bands that people saw after lockdown and it hasn’t stopped. Last year was just crazy.

One of the things that many bands have commented on is the changes in the audience post lockdown, some fans being cautious, others just glad to get back to what they loved. Have the band noticed any definitive changes in their crowd?

Some people were going back and saying we really got to go for it because we’ve got to embrace what we might have lost. But there was a lot of the audience I feel that were still scared to come out. It took a while before people decided. We decided we’d go out and play but there was the fact of going out and mixing again. I think everyone still wants to go out. I think it’s coming back now though. And I think this year people have started to say, well, you know we’re going out now. We can’t stay in for the rest of our lives. We’ve got the cost of living rises as well. A lot of people are more selective about what gigs they’re going to because the money’s not there as it used to be. There’s a show of confidence that’s come back within the scene and, you know, the crowds that we’ve seen at the gigs that we’ve played, they’ve been really good.

This naturally progresses to a conversation about ticket prices, arena shows etc. You’ll be unsurprised to know that Sons have an opinion about their preferences.

I think there are a lot of people who are having a look at the ticket prices and the booking fees and thinking, hang on a minute. I’m going to 20 local gigs, or I can go and see so and so. You know, 50, maybe even 60 bands with those gigs. The grassroots are where it’s at, you know?

It’s good to hear that Sons are getting good experiences and it seems that their view is reciprocated by the fans.

The scene as far as we’re concerned is as good as it ever been you. We played the O2 in Leicester a couple of weeks back and the response from the guys in there was just absolutely phenomenal. To be able to then make us accessible to go out to the merch stand, to then go and meet these guys, and you know it was in a day, with people coming up and buying merch and photos. And this you just don’t get that with the bigger bands. I went to Download to see Lamb of God and wanted nothing more than to go and just have a little chat with these guys, but they’re untouchable and unreachable. This is the benefit of grassroots.

It’s a point well made, and as Rob says, the people they meet aren’t fans, they are friends. The band then tell the story of being in France and having people come up to them, and saying “you, tomorrow” because they couldn’t believe that the band were out in the crowd the day before they played. It’s this kind of down to earth relationship that makes both Sons of Liberty and The Patriot so vital to the rock world. You want to be able to have a pint with people who’ve just entertained you and this can happen here.

Being accessible. That’s the key that these days. The fans want to feel involved. There’s a community. In the crowd, seeing you on the stage, they want that extra connection. And if you’re willing to give them the time that they deserve, because they’ve given us the time, to come and see us.

As support band Blackwater Redemption fire up their intro music in the main room above us, we move on to the final topic – the forthcoming tour with the legendary Preacher Stone that starts toward the end of March.

Yeah, we’re starting in the Thekla in Bristol [for those that don’t know, Thekla is a boat]. Yeah, come and help us load in if you want. It’s not the best load in!

The band test themselves with a list of dates, which include Bannerman’s in Edinburgh, Trillians in Newcastle, and Nightrain in Bradford. It’s a good looking tour with some great venues.

Yeah, we are really pleased and it’s a pinch yourself moment that we’re supporting a band we used to cover.

As the talk turns to what day they have on the tour to do their washing, and the fact that they are taking Preacher Stone to Liverpool for some sightseeing, it’s time to wrap it up and get upstairs. As you’ll have seen from my review, Sons of Liberty were on fire later on in the evening. If you can get to one of the shows with Preacher Stone [who featured on the Sons of Anarchy soundtrack] then I recommend you do. They take no prisoners and do it with more smiles than a Cheshire cat convention.

Sons of Liberty Credit Will Carter of Two Finger Media — Photo Credit: Will Carter of Two Finger Media

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Paul Hutchings and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s With KENNY DUBMAN

EMQ’s With KENNY DUBMAN

Hi everyone. Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Southern Rock Solo artist, Kenny Dubman. Huge thanks to him for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Kenny Dubman; I play guitar, sing and write all the tunes. I’m a solo artist; this leg of my musical journey started after a particularly rough patch in my life. I hadn’t written a song in over 20 years prior to the tracks on my first solo record (“Reckless Abandon”, released 2016). While I was crawling out of my deep dark hole, so to speak, in 2013, I stumbled upon “The Whippoorwill” album by Blackberry Smoke and got totally hooked. After about a year of listening to it every day, my own song ideas started to come. And here we are, getting ready to release album #3, “Conflicted”.

How did you come up with your band name?

As I mentioned, I’m a solo artist… but when I play live, I bill myself and the band as Kenny Dubman And The Conspiracy Theory. I dug that name for the band because lately, everything that goes against certain agendas are labelled “conspiracy theories”, only to emerge as actual facts a few months later. What’s the saying…. ”what’s the difference between conspiracy theory and fact? About 6 months.” Although lately it seems more like 2 or 3.

What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’m from the USA. The scene certainly isn’t what it was in the 80’s… I mean in pockets, yes, but not like Europe or South America, where people still seem to be insane over Rock and Metal. The South and Midwest seem to be the true music hotbeds in the US; I live in New Jersey in the northeast and the scene here is not good at all. My music definitely has a Southern appeal; some would label it Southern Rock, but I don’t know that I’d go that far. I’m hoping to make plans with some agencies in the South to get down there and play.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)

The full LP comes out on May 17^th. Right now we’re on our second song / video release for a track called ‘Modern Day Jesus’, which can be found on YouTube on my channel. All you need to do is search Kenny Dubman and you’ll find it. Please do! While you’re there, check out the first release as well, ‘Old Dog’, which features some ripping guitar work by Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke.

Who have been your greatest influences?

As a guitarist… Neal Schon, Ace Frehely, Johnny Winter, Rick Derringer, Mick Taylor, Jimmy Page, Frank Marino, Warren Haynes, Dickie Betts, Michael Schenker, Brian May, David Gilmour. Others that I love but maybe didn’t shape my style as much are Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoades, John Sykes, George Lynch, Warren DeMartini, Eric Johnson, Allen Collins, Gary Rossington, Joe Satriani, Slash… I’m sure I’m forgetting a bunch. As far as bands that have really built who I am as a writer and overall musician…Zep, Floyd, Queen, Rush, Allmans, Skynyrd, Pat Travers, Thin Lizzy…

What first got you into music?

My mom’s Hendrix and Santana records blasting around the house as a kid. A wailing electric guitar made me go bat shit. My first concert was Johnny Winter in 1975, and that pretty much sealed the deal.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Charlie Starr from Blackberry Smoke, Warren Haynes, Sheryl Crow are the first to come to mind.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Honestly not all that familiar with particular festivals by name. Any festival that leans more toward a Southern / Americana vibe would by my target audience, as I’m not Metal. Honestly, I’m thrilled to play for 100 people if they’re really into it and responsive!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

A pipe bomb. Hahahahaha just kidding! Not sure I’ve ever gotten anything I’d call weird, any gift from a fan comes from a really heartfelt place, so….

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Thanks so much for having an interest in the music I write… It’s the greatest gift you can give a songwriter! And thank you for coming to shows… without you, they’d just be rehearsals, and I fucking LOATHE rehearsing.

If you could bring one Metal/Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Jimi Hendrix.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love the writing; when a song comes together and you really know deep down inside that it’s a keeper, there’s simply no better feeling in the world. I love playing live when the room sounds killer and the audience is really keyed in and digging it… and letting you know. I hate the fact that it’s so hard to get my stuff heard by large numbers of Rock fans that I know would love it. There’s a gazillion bands out there, more than ever now, and every form of social media is utterly saturated with us LOL.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

That music is basically given away for free now… that’s fucked.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Pink Floyd, “Wish You Were Here”. All time fav.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Anything tangible is good, downloads are not tangible, therefore not my preferred medium. You can’t hold a download and read the lyric sheet and look at the cool pics. For me, it’s CD’s. I have a CD player in my car, and that’s the only time I can really listen with no distraction. So yeah… CD’s!

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Couldn’t possibly name a “best”, there have been thousands over the years, many of them killer. How about this… it’s gonna be our album release show… The Saint, Asbury Park NJ, 6/17/22. I’m picking a future gig instead, hahah!

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Running a charter fishing boat for hire, or working deck on a commercial fishing boat.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

That’s a good one! Hmmm…. my mom, Guy Fieri, Bobby Flay, Tucker Carlson, Donald Trump. Fieri and Flay are in the kitchen, of course!

What’s next for the band?

Album release 5/17/22.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Website: www.kennydubman.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennydubman/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kennydubman

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnRvb1y_CM9gnx08mOurt6A

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

How in the fuck should I know? Hahahahahah a biscuit?

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Yes! All things Kenny Dubman can always be found on my website, www.kennydubman.com including how to get hold of my new record when it’s released on 5/17/22. Thanks for listenin’!!

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s With Scattered Hamlet

EMQ’s With Scattered Hamlet

Hi Everyone! Welcome to another EMQ’s, this time with USA based Hard Rock/ Southern Rock Band, Scattered Hamlet. Huge thanks to Vocalist and Frontman, Adam Joad, for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Adam Joad, I’m CEO for the Alpha Rock Supreme, the American Dream, Scattered Hamlet… which incidentally is your new favorite band.

How did you come up with your band name?

It’s a slang term I snagged from a civil war book for small spread out rural communities, like where our music comes from. In hindsight I should have picked something more obvious.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

We tour either out of Nashville or where I live on West Virginia/PA border. To see a show where I live you have to drive either to Morgantown, West Virginia or Pittsburgh, PA, the latter is about an hour away. It’s been a long time since I’ve been involved with any local scene, so I can’t really answer this question. It was our local punk scene many many years ago that gave me the chance to cut my teeth, learn how to be in a band, and eventually move to LA and do this full time. Hopefully there’s young people out there doing stuff like that still and not just dancing and filming themselves lip syncing on TikTok.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

We released our 3rd full length “Stereo Overthrow” a couple of weeks ago.

Who have been your greatest influences?

There’s too many. It would depend on the influence…. If you asked who influenced me to be a better person, a musician, a marital artist, a fisherman etc, they’d all be different answers. Overall, it would probably be Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed – they have influenced me and shown me how to be awesome.

What first got you into music?

When I was a wee Joad, I was gifted a Mickey Mouse turn table. Having no adult records, my brother let me go to his collection and pick one. I carefully looked through and shining like the holy grail or the vinyl of destiny was “Kill Alive II”… and the rest is history.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?

Oooh good question. I like to collaborate. I’ve been calling for this one for a while. I’d like to work with Tim Armstrong from Rancid. I think we could come up with something super cool. Kid Rock just did a collaboration with Monster Truck, it came out really good. I think in general we all need to collaborate more. Tom Morello just did a bunch of cool ones too with Atlas Underground. So yeah, I want to work with Tim Armstrong. If I could shoot for the stars though it would be Dave Gilmour or George Thorogood.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

We’ve been fortunate enough to play many US festivals, but I’d really like to do the Download Festival.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Weirdest and most awesome was a custom painted beer keg that we’ve carried on stage at every show since.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Please don’t DM me on social media and ask about show times, show tickets, or your orders from Buck Moon Productions!

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

I don’t know, there’s so many awesome folks we’ve lost along the way. How about Joe Strummer? I’d love for him to come back and the Clash have one last tour.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I enjoy performing, I’m a performer, the stage is what it’s all about for me. My least favorite part is “the business.” We are in the music business, you can’t forget that. Keep your eyes on your money and watch what’s going on around you.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The devaluing of the physical copy for music I’d change – you can’t go back in time though we live in a digital world. Streaming sucks for the artist, it pays very little and bands are judged by how many times they’ve been streamed or followed on Spotify. We’ve been turned down for things by suits because “our Spotify numbers aren’t good enough…” and then they pick an algorithm band over us and we have sold more albums, more merchandise, and can out draw them in ticket sales in all major markets. In sum, we have more real fans from touring and having an impact, rather than just fitting an algorithm that gets played a bunch on playlists where the listener doesn’t even know who the band is. It’s weird. I’m grateful for our fans’ dedication, it keeps us going. I’ll take one of our fans with a CD in their truck and an SH sticker in their window over a hundred thousand streams on a playlist where the listeners don’t even know your band – we’ve had both, I know which one has a greater value both artistically and financially.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

I’ll name three, Social Distortion “Sex Love and Rock N’ Roll,” Springsteen “Darkness on the Edge of town,” and Bob Seger’s “Night Moves.”

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

Cassettes are useless, those are for hipsters trying to be cool – hipsters suck. I love vinyl, I actually have a really solid vinyl collection and I enjoy sitting around, sipping bourbon, and just listening to records and then flipping them over while looking at the art. It’s a great experience. It’s not practical for travel or for my studio, so for that I use Spotify. Like I said earlier, streaming sucks for artists, but what I didn’t say is that it’s awesome for the listener. I have literally everything at the tip of my fingers. I don’t download and I don’t buy CDs. Our touring rig has a CD player so if a band gives us an album, we’ll check it out. It’s cool because with that physical copy we’re more likely to listen to it on tour because if we have to go to Spotify to stream it that means we have to remember to do it and in the middle of touring it’s easy to forget shit.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

I don’t even know how to qualify what’s best. If you’re saying the biggest show, that would probably be Sturgis Buffalo Chip mainstage. One year we did it with Disturbed, and Kid Rock another year. My favorite shows personally were probably the camp ground one’s at Rocklahoma in the early days. We didn’t get paid and we weren’t able to set up merch but it didn’t matter. There were so many people at those and it was complete chaos.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

No clue – I’ve had so many jobs before so I don’t know where I’d have landed if I wasn’t doing music. I’ve been a maintenance worker, grounds keeper, bouncer, sparring dummy for pro MMA fighters, coach, actor, teacher, electrical assistant, vintage toy seller, writer, I’ve scored films, I guess scoring films would be a musician… shit so many. I have no idea what else I’d be doing. I still want to make my professional wrestling debut.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

That’s a good one – I’ll assume they have to be living and I like random people that are different. How about Mike Ness, The Iron Sheik, Glenn Danzig, Ted Nugent, and Mike Tyson. Wouldn’t that be a random clusterfuck?

What’s next for the band?

The new album just dropped, we have a few more dates left in 2021. You can catch us live Dec 2 Akron, Ohio (Vortex), Dec 3 Ardmore, PA (The Nail) & Dec 4 Etna, PA (Porky’s). After that 2022 is anyone’s guess. I hope to be out supporting the album but the world is a weird place right now.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

This will send you to them all: https://linktr.ee/scatteredhamlet

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

I literally have no idea what you’re talking about. We put gravy on our biscuits here and you don’t put gravy on cakes.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you we appreciate the questions and coverage.

Cry For Mercy – Resist

Cry For Mercy – Resist
Self-Released
Release Date: 02/04/2021
Running Time: 48:15
Review by Beth Jones
8/10

Let’s talk about bucket lists, shall we? Mine’s long and plentiful, and full of all sorts of things, from the mundane to the ridiculous. But one item on there has been firmly planted near the top for a very long time. Driving route 66. It would be in a little red sportscar, top down, sun on my face, and the wind in my hair. I’d probably have aviators on and be dressed like I was on the way to Woodstock. Not a care in the world, just the open road in front of me. I’m a sucker for a cliché… Anyway, that road trip would have to be accompanied by some smooth Southern Rock. And that brings me to our subject here today. “Resist,” the debut album from the North West’s very own Southern Rockers, Cry For Mercy.

These guys have been on our radar for a good while now, and we’ve seen them smashing it out live many times, so this has been a hotly anticipated album in camp Ever Metal. These 3 guys set the bar high for themselves, and aim to encapsulate that Southern Bluesy Rock sound, here in the lush green and rugged grey landscapes that couldn’t be further from the dusty deep south if it tried! So, does this debut live up to that high bar? Well, in short, yes.

Opening with the upbeat and punchy track, ‘Brother’ the Cry For Mercy sound is instantly recognisable. Crunchy guitar riffs, driving bass, and a rock-steady beat from Steven Taylor, topped off with clean but edgy vocals. If a bottle of Southern Comfort, Jack Daniels, and Budweiser started a band, this would be what they sounded like. (I’ll skip over the fade out, with a slightly raised eyebrow. Tut tut boys.)

And this is the way that this album continues throughout. Catchy melodies, riffs a plenty, gritty vocals. What’s not to like! There are even a few lush little guitar solos chucked in for good measure, but nothing’s overstated. It’s just laid back, and full of sunshine and desert dust.

There are a few standout tracks on this album too, which is always great to see on a debut. One of these is ‘Cold Hearted Woman’. This is more acoustic driven, and has a real ‘jaded with a guitar, sitting in the old, beat up rocking chair on the back porch, drowning your sorrows in a Jack, and strumming away’ feel. I love it.

And that’s followed immediately by ‘Born To Fly,’ a melancholy anthem, where Kev’s vocals take a turn for the tortured, really making an impressive use of the gruff and gravelly tones he possesses.

All in all, this is a really good debut in terms of musical content, and it’s been produced and mixed in a pleasing way, too. Can’t wait to see these guys live again, and we’re hoping to get that chance in early July (crossing everything that this happens) when they compete in the Bloodstock Metal 2 The Masses North Wales final!

TRACKLISTING:
01. Brother
02. Roll The Dice
03. Resist
04. Chasing Me Down
05. Down To The River
06. Healing
07. Hear You Coming
08. Cold Hearted Woman
09. Born To Fly
10. Yesterday’s Man
11. Into Overdrive
12. On And On

LINE-UP:
Kevin Plant – Bass/Lead Vocals
Andy Cutty – Guitar/Backing Vocals
Steven Taylor – Drums

LINKS:

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Beth Jones and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with MAGNOLIA BAYOU

EMQ’s with MAGNOLIA BAYOU

Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Gulfport, MS based Southern Blues/Rock band Magnolia Bayou. Huge thanks to lead guitarist & founding member Dylan Palmiero for taking part.

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is Dylan Palmiero, Lead Guitar & Founder. The band started in 2015 after Josh, our first drummer and I all got together every day after Jazz Band to jam blues tunes and a couple from the charts. We hardly spent time on the “homework” from Jazz Band as we wanted to see where we could go musically with just the 3 of us. As that went on, Drew and I were getting together in our spare time geeking out over guitar gear. He was in another band at the time playing guitar and singing background vocals. One day out of the blue I’d told my Dad about Drew being from the delta, his eyes lit up, and he asked, “Hey Drew, ever thought about singing?”

That’s all she wrote.

How did you come up with your band name?

The band name came about because we wanted something that encompassed where we came from and the vibe we were trying to convey. We all got in a group chat and started sending words and phrases that related to where we grew up. Magnolia and Bayou ended up right next to each other, it was fate. Magnolia Bayou

What country are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

We’re in the state of Mississippi from the United States. I know a lot of bands like Dirty Honey, Greta Van Fleet, Joyous Wolf are making a lot of buzz these days so it’s really a great time for Rock N Roll. There’s a lot of guys that are up and coming like Them Dirty Roses, The Georgia Thunderbolts, Otis, Jive Mother Mary. The state of Rock N Roll is in good hands.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)

Our latest release is ‘Sweet Magnolia’ which you can find anywhere you stream music. We’ve released a number of singles this year, including ‘Tupelo’, ‘Thieves’, and a cover of ‘Nutshell’ by Alice In Chains

‘Sweet Magnolia’ (Audio)

Who have been your greatest influences?

Collectively we all love bands like AC/DC, Alice In Chains, and delta blues guys like Howlin Wolf. It’s a big melting pot for sure.

What first got you into music?

Really, music has always been played in the house for all of us. We all kinda come from the same type of background. Music lovers and music fans. It’s pretty much always been there. It’s no wonder we do this for a career.

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Tedeschi Trucks Band or The Revivalists would be awesome. TTB is like Church. The Revivalists have awesome energy and they would be really fun to hang and collaborate with.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Jazz Fest!!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

So far, nothing weird. We’ve had various items made for us and it’s very humbling. We have some special fans.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

I feel like our fans are like a huge family and it’s a blessing that they have been so generous with their time and their money to come see us. We’ve had a number of people come see us 3-4 nights in a row on tour and it’s awesome.

Let’s grow this fan base! Spread the word and spread the love!

If you could bring one Rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

For me personally, Duane Allman.

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I can’t think of anything I hate, other than not being able to play live during this pandemic. I know we all enjoy being able to travel, see new places, and experience new things. We have a lot of friends across the country that we don’t get to see a whole lot, so catching up with those friends is always a plus. It’s all just a big hang til show time.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The greedy people up at the top who aren’t in it for the music. That shit really rubs us the wrong way.

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

The Allman Brothers Band – “At Fillmore East”. The greatest live album of all time in my honest opinion. Little Feat – “Waiting For Columbus” is a very close second.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Vinyl for damn sure!

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Tipitina’s in New Orleans, Louisiana in November 2019

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I don’t think that’s an option for any of us.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

(Dead): Prince, Duane Allman, Lowell George, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix

(Alive): Tom Morello, Derek Trucks, Jaimoe, Sturgill Simpson, Billy Strings

What’s next for the band?

Right now, we’re sitting on a helluva lot of tunes, so we’re going to get back into the studio as soon as we can to cut a new project. We have been cooped up since March, so we’ve been re-writing some old tunes and refining all of the songs that have just been sitting in the vault. We’ve got a lot of great material, just waiting for the right time. Some bands will write a song and won’t release it for years and years until it fits on a specific record.

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

www.facebook.com/magnoliabayou/
www.instagram.com/magnoliabayou/
www.open.spotify.com/artist/1ld5hoCPGAS03QecCgpHzD

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

I’m gonna say a biscuit just because I feel it’s a trick question. Don’t shoot me if I’m wrong.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Thank you, guys, for having us!

We will be releasing our Sophomore Album “Strange Place” on September 24th, so head over to www.magnoliabayou.com/ to scoop up yours NOW!

Also be sure to stream our new singles, ‘Sweet Magnolia’, ‘Thieves’, and ‘Tupelo’

Thirteen Stars – Finest Ramshackle Jam

Thirteen Stars – Finest Ramshackle Jam
RPM Music
Release Date: 19/06/2020
Running Time: 55:12
Review by Beth Jones
9.5/10

When you think of Southern Rock and Blues, you probably picture a beat up back porch in the dusty southern states of America in the warmth of the evening sun, upon which there sits a craggy gentleman, supping a Southern Comfort or a nice bourbon, whilst singing about life and strumming a guitar. Or driving across an orange dessert in an open top Cadillac on the way to Woodstock, the sun beating down and the dust sticking hard to your brill-creamed handlebar tash, swigging from a bottle of moonshine and toking on a Marlboro. And you would be forgiven for thinking that the members of Thirteen Stars had all indeed been living that life in order to create the Southern Rock sound that we all know and love. But you’d be wrong. They are, in fact, from the West Coast… of Cumbria, UK. Being a dweller of the UK myself, I can confirm that Cumbria is neither dusty, nor sunny for a good 95% of the year, so getting that Southern sound the way Thirteen Stars do is pretty impressive!

Their latest release, and fifth studio album, “Finest Ramshackle Jam”, is due to drop in mid-June 2020. The album was recorded at Doncaster’s Axis Studios, which has played host to a variety of names, including Terrorvision, Massive Wagons, and Black Spiders, and engineered and produced by Matt Elliss, with co-production by Thirteen Stars’ frontman, Hoss Thompson. The album was mastered by Geoff Pesche (Page & Plant, Therapy, The Divine Comedy) at Abbey Road Studios no less (if you don’t know the significance of that place, are you even a music fan?)!

The album as a whole has been inspired by, and pays homage to many sub-genres of Rock and musical icons from ages past, with nods to Rockabilly and classic Rock ‘n’ Roll, and hints of greats such as Queen, Tom Petty, and Elvis Presley, amongst others. The use of instantly recognisable instruments – Hammond organ, a brass section, and Bass Clav – provide a classic 50s, 60s and 70s feel, but it’s in no way ‘dated’. The sweeping backing vocal harmonies and guitar harmonies throughout, the fuzzed-out guitar solos, and the extremely good, multi-layered mixing, give “Finest Ramshackle Jam” a very ‘full’ feel, which is really pleasing to listen to. I particularly like the use of panning on many of the songs, which creates a brilliant sense of depth, and almost makes it feel like you are watching a live show (remember them?… they were fun… ☹).

The album starts at apace, with ‘I’m Ready’, a track that frontman Hoss Thompson describes as a composition in which the idea of music is personified, and is asking ‘are you ready to dedicate your life to me, whatever hardship that may bring?’ to which the answer, for these guys, is ‘yes’!

There is a good variety of pace and feeling across the record, with upbeat tracks like ‘Be There In The Morning’ (which to me has quite a Buddy Holly feel about it), and ‘Mint Jelly’, proper full on groove in tracks like ‘Break It Down Slowly’, and even a little walk into Motown in ‘Rebel’. The whole 55 minutes of this album is crammed full of excellent musicianship from all members – one of my favourite moments being the mighty guitar work in the final track, ‘Only A Soldier’. It’s like a big hug in its richness and has plenty of wah!

I simply can’t pick a favourite track off this album, as they are all so different from each other, and explore the full depths of genres around their sound. In the press release front man, Hoss, said that this album was a reaction to their previous album, “The White Raven”, which, although liked it, they “felt that it lacked some variety, and we wanted to create a more esoteric album. One that encapsulated all the different inspirations we have and that shows the variety of songwriting that we create.” Well, congratulations guys, as you have done just that in this album. It’s not ground-breaking, but it doesn’t need to be. Its beauty is in the bands understanding of the musical roots which they emulate. These guys are really solid players in their field, and deserve much acclaim for their work, and this damn fine album. If you like Southern Rock, in any form, you’re going to love this album.

TRACKLISTING:
01. I’m Ready
02. Running So Long
03. Sweet Lies
04. Give It Good
05. Sleeping
06. Sorcery
07. Be There In The Morning
08. I’d Do Anything
09. Mint Jelly
10. Rebel
11. Steel Horse
12. Keep Calm and Carry On
13. Razor’s Edge
14. Break It Down Slowly
15. Only A Soldier

LINE-UP:
Hoss Thompson – Vocals/Guitar
Jax Sedgwick – Guitar
Mike Reid – Bass
Andy Bates – Drums

LINKS:
www.thirteenstarsuk.com/
www.facebook.com/ThirteenStars
www.twitter.com/13_Stars1
www.instagram.com/13_starsuk
www.youtube.com/channel/UCt3pEsMdP6CYVtwbLKBx0xw

Collateral – ‘Collateral’

795536

Collateral – ‘Collateral’
Roulette Media Records / Cargo Records UK
Release Date: 21/02/2020
Running Time: 34:35
Reviewed By Paul Monkhouse
8/10

The rock scene has seemingly never looked healthier and 2019 has seen some absolutely incredible new albums emerge this year. This trend looks to continue well into 2020 with the release firstly of the Anchor Lane debut album and this, the first full length offering by Kent four-piece Collateral in February. Already making a big impression on UK and global audiences with slots at Camden Rocks, Ramblin’ Man and an appearance alongside Jon Bon Jovi, these South East rockers are amongst the most hotly tipped bands for future superstardom and this self-titled release shows exactly why they’re getting so much attention.
The songs on the album are huge and have such lofty ambitions to be played in stadiums but, unlike many who have come before, their strongest weapon in the fight is their talent and drive to succeed. Despite all the big, singalong anthems and flamboyant image, it’s not all empty glamour and glitz as beneath the noise and gleaming chrome of the surface lies a real blue-collar heart and recaptures the spirit of when Bon Jovi and their ilk were at their peak.
The album kicks off with the single ‘Mr. Big Shot’ and it’s a giant slab of commercial hard rock that mixes in some really 80’s elements ranging from classic American AOR to some almost New Romantic undertones and a pinch of ELO. Full of great guitar work from Todd Winger and epic vocals by Angelo Tristan, the track drips with tongue in cheek innuendos and a huge sense of a band having a ball in the studio. More monster riffing and vast melodies power along paeon to the modern music industry ‘Promiseland’, it sounds like the sleazy lovechild of AC/DC and, should have been huge, USA rock legends Giant as it snarls and purrs, leading to a superb solo by Winger. The band dust off their cowboy boots as the Southern Rock feel of ‘Merry Go Round’ brings images of swirling dust devils and shimmering desert heat to mind as they effortlessly turn their home county ‘Garden of England’ into the American Midwest. Close your eyes and you can feel the sun beating down and the dry mouthed feel that is desperate to be administered an ice-cold beer. Without doubt, one of the greatest strengths of the band is to conjure up that sense of time and place in a very tangible way, transporting you to a time when hair was big, and choruses were even bigger. This is no aping of the classic bands of that era but a contemporary take on the type of rock music that made Bon Jovi et al kings of stadiums, the production by Sean M Kenny bringing out the best in the material whilst giving it a thoroughly modern sheen.
‘In it for Love’ exemplifies this approach as it perfectly balances the pounding rock driven by rhythm section Ben Atkinson on drums and Jack Bentley-Smith’s bass alongside such a great, dynamic song that will have you singing along in no time. With its instantly catchy “woooh oooh oooh” gang vocals during the chorus and another fret blazing solo ‘Lullaby’ has already become a live favourite and should be blaring out of every car radio across the Atlantic, such is its perfect suitability for the American market.
Also finding its main inspiration the other side of the ‘pond’ is ‘Midnight Queen’, the band tilting their Stetsons to a more AOR meets Country Rock feel that sounds like it might have been written by Richard Marx and Vince Gill, the opening line the name of a huge hit that Marx wrote for Vixen and it shares that same sense of space, the focus on the songwriting, not the flash.
Those waiting for the heartfelt power ballad won’t be disappointed as ‘Get Back to You’ ticks all the right boxes, Tristan pouring his heart out as he longs to return home whilst the song proves it’s more about quality and quiet than drama school overemphasis.
Having stated their love for the aforementioned Mr. Jovi, the band expressed their intent to write something that captured the spirit of tracks like ‘Always’ and this certainly will see a sea of mobile phone lights (nobody is allowed lighters at gigs these days) held aloft in tribute. The pace picks up once again in the spot on, commercial pop rock of ‘Won’t Stop Me Dreaming’, a song that contains a tough streak of steely determination laced through its supremely candy coated and instantly addictive shell. The album ends with ‘About this Boy’, another country tinged track that once more heads more to the massive and lucrative Nashville scene than the heavier end of their material. Whilst a meatier number may have been more fitting, the song is still imbued with that Transatlantic feel that may well find the band gaining ground both in their home country and in the United States given the growing market here and the already titanic base there. Always doing things their way, Collateral continue to push forward, and this album shows just how far they’ve grown and where they’re heading. The stadiums of the world are beckoning.
Track Listing:
1 Mr Big Shot
2 Promised Land
3 Merry Go Round
4 In It For Love
5 Lullaby
6 Midnight Queen
7 Get Back To You
8 Won’t Stop Me Dreaming
9 About This Boy
Links:
https://www.collateralofficial.com/
https://www.facebook.com/collateralrocks/
Tweets by collateralrocks
https://www.instagram.com/collateralrocks/

015027

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Monkhouse and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

EMQ’s with PINTO GRAHAM

Pinto Graham

EMQ’s with PINTO GRAHAM

Hi Everyone. Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with New Haven, Connecticut, Southern Stoner/Rock trio Pinto Graham! Huge thanks to guitarist Andre Roman for taking part!
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
I’m Andre Roman, guitar player in Pinto Graham. Pinto Graham was started as a 2 piece (bass and drums) band by Ant and Brian sometime around 2013 or so. A friend of mine had played guitar with them briefly before moving to California and I was introduced to the guys with the hopes of replacing him. It was a great fit and I joined the band in 2016.
How did you come up with your band name?
Ant (bass/vocals) came up with the name. I believe it was really just a version of some of his favourite band names…Pink Floyd, Lynyrd Skynyrd etc…
What country are you from and what is the metal scene like there?
Our drummer Brian is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ant and I are from the United States. The metal scene here in the US is amazing! It’s thriving well and really embracing all the styles within the “metal” title.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single or Video)
Our latest release is Entitled “DOS”. Our second record, oddly enough following our first record, “UNO”. We have just released a single from DOS called ‘Southern Superstitions.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Personally my greatest musical influences are Cream, Led Zeppelin, Grand Funk Railroad, Black Sabbath, the Melvins, Mudhoney, RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough….to name a few!
What first got you into music?
My older brother introduced me to punk when I was around 10 years old. Black Flag, Bad Brains…and at the same time I received my first guitar. So I spent a lot of time learning songs by Mudhoney, Dinosaur JR, Sonic Youth…
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
That’s a tough question! I would really love to collaborate with the guys in Earthless. Maybe just an improvised jam or something!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Any rock festival in Europe would be awesome.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Boogie!! Have a great time, all the time! And thank you for coming to shows.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Jimi Hendrix. No doubt.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Well, I don’t hate any of it. As long as we get to play, there shouldn’t be anything to hate. Maybe typing out interview answers…I’d rather talk to people. Other than that, it’s a good gig being a musician. The most enjoyable part is playing and meeting other bands and talking about gear or studios.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
We try hard not to be involved in the music industry per se…We don’t have a label and if we did we’d want it to be a small one that appreciates music rather than how much money an artist can pull in.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
The ‘Red Album’ by Grand Funk Railroad is just one of my favourites.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl with a download is the best.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
All of them rock!! We just try to make sure we have a good time all the time.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’d be a carpenter. Oh wait…I mean…I am a carpenter. Music ain’t payin the bills!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Frank Zappa and whatever 4 people he wanted to bring.
What’s next for the band?
We’ll be playing shows in support of “DOS” and getting new songs ready for the next record!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://pintograham.com
https://pintograham.bandcamp.com/releases
https://m.facebook.com/pintograham.band/
https://www.instagram.com/pinto_graham/
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I’d maybe call them a cookie…a fucking delicious cookie/biscuit hahaha!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you. Hopefully we can rock out for y’all sometime!

Pinto Graham Pic

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

Shallow Side – Saints & Sinners

Saints _ Sinners Cover

Shallow Side – Saints & Sinners
Thermal Entertainment LLC
Release Date: 29/03/2019
Running Time: 35:09
Review by Stephanie Stevens
8/10

Rick here – As I was getting ready to send this over for publication it became apparent that the album, which had been on all the major streaming/download sites was being recalled. Shallow Side have made an announcement on Facebook Live that some things are happening behind the scenes which necessitates the recall. I’m not going to speculate on what is happening, but you may not be able to buy or stream the album by the time this review goes live. Keep an eye on Shallow Side’s social media links for updates!
Shallow Side caught my attention back in 2016 when they won best new artist by Loudwire. The band comes from Alabama and consists of a bunch of musicians who have the passion, love and dedication to write, record and create a dynamic show for their fans. Just from following them it’s easy to see they care and appreciate everyone that supports and enjoys the rock music they love making.
The addiction I have to songs like ‘Can You Hear Me’, ‘Try To Fight It’ and their cover of ‘Renegade’ by Styx has made me a huge fan and I was overly excited to finally enjoy new music when Shallow Side’s latest album “Saints & Sinners” landed in my mailbox.
One thing is for sure, these guys have grown immensely and it showcases depth and an overall sense of the band edging towards their ultimate sound just with one listen to this new disc.
Shallow Side begin the album with a song call ‘Revival’ that is jaw dropping and refreshing to hear from them. That old-school down south rock vibe jabs you right from the beginning. That low bass vocal just grabs you. It is potent and shows they can get down ‘n’ dirty when needed and I think an opener like this just breathes new light for the fans of this band.
The title track continues the Southern Rock feel and just oozes with melodic beauty and good n lively rock attitude.
‘Sound The Alarm’, the band’s first single, is sassy, sultry and wins you over with charm. You will be addicted to the melodic driven antics of this track!
‘Temptations’ is soulful and the playful vocal pattern just takes this track to new heights. I knew vocalist Eric Boatright had depth and talent but on this song he showcases diversity and perfection throughout.
‘No More’ is guitar sass! It’s pumped with hard rock grit and at times pulled me back into an 80’s soundscape but then bungees you back into the modern rock world. I love the energy and the playfulness from the musical ambience and vocal patterns.
‘Not Alone’ gives me piano and a voice. With these you have the beauty in a ballad and Shallow Side have hit a homerun with this. Delicate and pretty with an air of soft rock ambience. Two thumbs up for this you southern gentleman.
Lastly, my favourite song off this album is called ‘Hallelujah’. You want attitude? You want Rock ‘n’ Roll creativity? You want stripped down Rock? Do you need melody that drives you to get up and move? This song is just a straight forward beautiful ball of ‘fuck ya’!! Words don’t do it enough justice; you just gotta hit play and feel it in your soul.
Shallow Side IS Rock ‘n’ Roll! They are a band that leaves their hearts on the stage every night, writes real music with real meaning and just encompasses the future of Rock.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Revival
02. Saints & Sinners
03. Sound The Alarm
04. Drugs&Lust
05. Temptations
06. Hallelujah
07. No More
08. All Rise
09. Not Alone
10. Carry On
LINKS:
https://shallowside.net/
https://www.facebook.com/ShallowSideBand/
Tweets by shallowsideband
https://www.instagram.com/shallowsideband/

https://www.youtube.com/user/shallowsidemusic

Promo Pic1

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Stephanie Stevens and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

The Swamp Born Assassins – Smell The Mud

Smell The Mud Cover

The Swamp Born Assassins – Smell The Mud
Carnivora Records
Running Time: 49:38
Release Date: 19/03/2017
Review by Paul Monkhouse
7/10

It’s hard to believe that these guys come from Scotland, such is the skill and lovingly crafted paeon of love to the best of Southern Rock, albeit it with a much dirtier edge on this, their latest album. The Glasgow based five-piece have captured the spirit of their many influences and infused the album with their heroes whilst very much retaining an identity all of their own.
The moment that the slide guitar comes in on ‘Out in the Rain’ you know that this is going to be a big slice of gritty rock that Lynyrd Skynyrd would play at their heaviest. With the opening line of ‘’Ever had one of those days when nothing goes right?’’ seeming like a snarling challenge, these guys come out swinging and you know you’ve going to have to hold on tight as they take off like a Nascar champion.
‘Never Ever Never’ starts off with the riff from ‘Peter Gunn’ passed through an ancient and overdriven amplifier and is another brutal, pounding belter. In the shape of Black Stone Cherry, this song is meant to be heard from tiny bars to huge festival stages and is brimming with some real old-style R&B fire. ‘Walk Tall’ is another track that somehow brings together the trio of Pantera, AC/DC and Aerosmith to produce an unholy lovechild that has parts of all three huge acts but is also distinctly their own creation.
There is such a great gumbo of sludge and fire in their material that is matched by power and subtlety. All the way through the album there are some truly nice little touches that add some incredible colour to what could have been potentially been just a straight-ahead rock/metal album. Successfully combining balls and brains, The Swamp Born Assassins have approached both the material and performances with real intelligence that certainly pays dividends.
The stomping ‘Crawl’ would be something that you get the feeling that the late, great Lemmy would love and is a later highlight of the album. All rock ‘n’ roll attitude and spirit it demands to be heard, as does the garage rock madness of the title cut, ‘Smell The Mud’, a track you can easily imagine in the soundtrack of a Rob Zombie movie. Sinewy and prowling the song is full of menace and features a great bit of guitarwork and gang harmony vocals.
Equally sinister is the haunting and haunted ‘Clara Bella Lee’, a blues duet that finishes the album in style. It’s also the longest and most expansive track of this release. Underpinned with a real swing, the interplay of male and female vocals works masterfully in a call and response where you don’t really know who the victim is. All the members of the band really bring things together in a truly epic slice of American Gothic, the superb arrangement of voices and some outstanding musicianship mark this as the highpoint of “Smell The Mud” and provides a real contrast to all the other balls to the wall tracks. A really great listen and one certainly worth seeking out and adding to your collection.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Out In The Rain
02.Never Ever Never
03.Walk Tall
04.Dead Man Walking
05.Land Of The Six Gun
06.Crawl
07.Smell The Mud
08.The Gator
09.Clara Belle Lee
LINKS:
http://www.swampbornassassins.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheSwampBornAssassins/

Tweets by SwampBorn

https://www.instagram.com/swampbornassassins/
https://www.youtube.com/user/vettidu

Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Paul Monkhouse and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.