Song of the Day- The Black Vultures- Never Say

WORDS BY ANSELM 

Upcoming British Rockers The Black Vultures return with a follow-up song to last year’s “Treat Me Like An Animal”. I remember being fond of the track so was excited to receive this.

“Never Say” is released this Friday, February 2nd and is a more blues-infused addition to the heavier first track. If you are unaware of The Black Vultures, please let me indulge you. Hailing from the Welsh Valleys, they are described as “an energetic four-piece”. The band had a great 2023 with the release of the popular “Treat Me Like An Animal” achieving critical acclaim and extensive airplay. ( You can find the review below). They aim to grow their fanbase with more gigs across Wales and the UK. They play guitar-driven rock with a blues influence and their songs focus on personal encounters and emotions.

“Never Say” is no exception to this rule—the track centres around the topic of ending a relationship on amicable turns. The track’s silky blues riff and well-timed rhythms remind me of how Motorhead liked to build their songs and play them loud. I can’t say the same for the rest of the track. As soon as vocalist Huw Williams enters the fray, the song takes a 360. His warm and affable voice purrs like a cat over the pulsating beats. The delicious grooves and optimistic tone send this reader back to the days of The Black Keys’ El Camino album. “Never Say” shares similarities with some of the tracks on that album. In case you haven’t heard it, I highly recommend it to you, dear reader.

Anyhow, let’s get back to the review. The message is clear and positive, replete with stellar guitar work, a hook-laden chorus, and a mesmerising solo to complete an exciting addition to their expansive catalogue.

Unsurprisingly, “Never Say” has been picked for BBC Music Introducing, a platform to propel new artists into the mainstream. The band plans on recording a third single for April and then heading into Northern Head Studio in Ebbw Vale, Wales to record their debut album with local producer Chris Peet. Keep your eyes peeled for that one.

Social Media Links

https://www.facebook.com/THEBLACKVULTURESUK

https://linktr.ee/blackvulturesuk

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Album of the Week: The Gems- Phoenix

WORDS BY ANSELM

The Gems is a new name for the rock scene. However, the members are familiar to fans of the Female Swedish rock act Thundermother. Last February, the band shocked the rock world by firing Lead singer Guernica Mancini. Bassist Mona Lindgren and drummer Emlee Johansson soon followed suit with a show of loyalty to their long-term friend. The result is Phoenix, the debut album released today via Napalm Records.

The 16-track release is a hard rock album and a mission statement. The trio rise from the ashes to fulfil their rock ‘n’ roll potential. Produced by Johan Randén, the album was mastered by Plec Johansson (Soilwork, Hank von Hell, Firewind). The decision to hire these gentlemen gives justice to the women. They almost sound relieved as the shackles are off. The women are free to experiment with different genres of rock on Phoenix.

So, that is enough from the rambling man, let’s transpire with the review.

The album starts with a song called “Aurora, ” an acapella performance by Mancini. In this song, she expresses herself through the lyrics “In the face of misfortune, we rise up again. Just like a phoenix from the ashes of pain.” This allows the singer to reveal her feelings towards her former bandmates. Next up is “Queens”, a feminist anthem with tasty blues licks, supplemented by Mancini’s distinctive soulful vocals. The album gives her carte blanche to show the world her captivating voice. Throughout the album, Mancini delivers a lung-busting performance across an exceptional display from guitarist Lindgren and drummer Johansson.

Photo Courtesy of Mikael Halten

“Send Me to the Wolves” is a powerful and passionate anthem with a message of perseverance, highlighted by captivating blues. The boogie rock on “Domino” and “Silver Tongue” is influenced by 1980s and 70’s classic rock. In contrast, the slow-burning “Unspecified Paths”, “Fruits of Labour” and “Ease Your Pain” are emotional numbers that show another side to the trio. As long-term readers know, I am not a fan of these types of songs. However, I feel these add depth and variation to the heavier rock tracks.

Nevertheless, my only criticism is the reliance on interludes to balance the album out. I feel this is unnecessary and stretches the release out. Moreover, this isn’t a criticism of the album as a whole. I fully enjoyed listening to a modern rock release in which the artists have so much fun and freedom to get back to basics: Which is pure rock ‘n’ roll!

The women deviate from blues and ballads to show this with the energetic rock tracks “Like a Phoenix”, and “P.S.Y.C.H.O”, showcasing a love for full-throttle riffs and earworm choruses.

Finally, the album takes a well-earned rest with an acoustic version of “Like A Phoenix”. Overall, The Gems prove there is life after Thundermother. They are finally allowed to show they were the undiscovered gems of the project…and they truly shine on Phoenix.

Rating: 9/10

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Social Media Links

https://label.napalmrecords.com/the-gems

https://www.facebook.com/thegemsbandswe/

https://www.instagram.com/thegems.music/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thegems.music

Album Review: Russell &; Guns-Medusa

Record Label: Frontiers Music SRL

Jack Russell, the vocalist of Great White, and Tracii Guns, the founder of LA Guns, are well-known names in the eighties’ glam rock scene. The duo now joins forces for their debut release Medusa via Frontiers Music SRL.

The album marks a comeback for Russell seven years after recording his last record with Great White. The cobwebs don’t show as he teams up with guitar maestro Guns. Medusa includes the typical Frontiers Music SRL ingredients with special guest musicians assisting during recording. LA Guns bassist Johnny Martin, ex-drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, and Revolution Saints Multi-instrumentalist Alessandro Del Vecchio join the duo. Each musician plays a role in complementing the two legends, combining them to produce their best work to date.

I was pleasantly surprised and excited after listening to the opening two tracks. My initial thoughts were a throwback to bands like The Quireboys. The rock ‘n’ roll influences from their earlier work create a rousing release.

“Next in Line” opens the record with a real rocker. Guns brings a fresh side to his guitar play. This helps Russell sound the best since his Great White days. “Tell Me Why” is another rollercoaster of heavy metal with an edge. The thunderous drumming and sizzling guitar solos stir up memories of glam hair metal bands and early Van Halen.

As I previously mentioned, Guns and Russell form a formidable partnership with each one supplementing the other. The momentum continues to build with “Coming Down” showcasing that Russell hasn’t been affected by that hiatus. His rich and powerful vocals are probably better than most singers half his age. The bass, drums and guitar forge a commendable rhythm section on a two-prong assault.

The thing that surprised me the most was how diverse Medusa is. I am more aware of Guns’ back catalogue and have always seen him as an underrated guitarist. With Russell, Guns found his companion and he can express his abilities as a guitarist and delve into various styles. “Where I Belong” is a blues song with captivating keyboard melodies, whilst “For You” is a fun slice of boogie rock.

“Give Me the Night” takes the album into AOR County with stellar guitar solos. It is here Medusa ticks the box of a typical 1980s release with the corny ballad “Living A Lie”. The album finishes on a lighter note with those AOR tunes. “Medusa” “Back into Your Arms” and “I Want You” are curtain raisers with singalong choruses to complete a great start to 2024.

Overall, Russell and Guns combine to show they have enough energy and talent to continue to produce great magic.

Rating: 8.5/10

Social Media Links

FOLLOW JACK RUSSELL:
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FOLLOW TRACII GUNS:
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