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Shit, We're 23-The Demon Beat

The Demon Beat, a trio from West Virginia, are what rock and roll is all about. Loud guitars, senseless lyrics, and wailing vocals. It’s not everyday that a group manages to condense everything great about 60s and 70s rock onto one shiny disc, but The Demon Beat have managed to do just that on their latest effort, Shit, We’re 23.

The album kicks off with a pounding beat, courtesy of the group’s drummer, Jordan Hudkins. Tucker Riggleman’s bass kicks in, and the songs explodes from there. The loud, obnoxious guitar riff starts up, and at once it’s clear why “Got You Movin’” was chosen for the opening number.

“Millionaire” showcases lead singer and guitarist, Adam Meisterhans’, impressive vocals and guitar work. In a world full of auto-tuned, manufactured singers, this guy is the real deal. His voice is clearly one of the best in rock.

“Memory Ain’t Enough” is an incredibly well-crafted track. The groove practically forces you to tap your foot or bob your head along. Then out of nowhere, the track transforms into a ZZ Top-esque blues number before turning things back up a notch.

The band takes their sweet time on “You Got It”. At over six minutes, it’s the longest song on the record. But it works. Not once did I think ‘this track is too long’. The track ends off with a solo that is nothing short of epic. Hendrix would be proud.

“Crawl” is another slower number, but this time features a huge build up to the solo. It doesn’t disappoint. Five killer tracks in a row!

Starting off the album’s second half is a feel good, upbeat rock ‘n’ roll tune by the name of “This Is No Fun”. The band may not have been having fun, but anybody listening to this track is sure to have the exact opposite. Yet another killer solo rounds off the song.

“Make My Move” is more of what you’d expect by now. A catchy, fun, 60s style rock song. Nothing too special, but still a very enjoyable listen.

In “The Game”, the band utilises the groove and bass from some of their slower tracks, with the guitar work and vocals of their more fast-paced songs on top. It turns out to be quite effective, but this is one of those tracks that I can’t quite peg to a certain genre. I eventually decided on ‘kick-ass’.

“Can’t You” is a strange song. Imagine a blues track with haunting, echo drenched vocals. It’s not really something that can be described in words. Odd, yes, but it’s a song that you want to keep listening to, if even just to see what will happen next.

The band took another stab at “Bad Man”, a song from their 2008 EP for the record’s final track. The blistering guitar work, thundering drums, and groovy bass are brilliant, but what makes the song incredible is the vocals. I’m actually convinced that Meisterhan might commit some dirty deeds (and for dirt cheap at that). I really cannot think of a better way to end this album.

Shit, We’re 32 is a musical journey. Each song is unique and flows seamlessly. I’d recommend this album to anyone without hesitation. You can download Shit, We’re 23 for eight dollars (less than a dollar per song), or pick up a physical copy of the record for ten.

The Demon Beat Website: http://www.myspace.com/thedemonbeat

Big Bullet Records: http://bigbulletrecords.wordpress.com/

My Rating: 4.5/5

Have the album? Let me know what you think! And if you’d like your band’s album to be reviewed, feel free to e-mail me at burntwaffleproductions@gmail.com.

Kiss-Sonic Boom

I’ve written up most of my review for Sundrown’s ‘The 8th Day Bliss’, but for now here’s a review of the new Kiss album!

1. Modern Day Delilah-A fantastic way to open up the album! A dark riff that wouldn't be out of place on Revenge kicks off the song, and it just explodes from there.
Rating: 5/5

2. Russian Roulette-Another dark song, and one of the better Gene tunes out there. Great bass from Gene, a catchy chorus, and Tommy's awesome solo really make this a great track.
Rating: 4.5/5

3. Never Enough-A more lighthearted tune that combines the upbeat nature of their 70s tracks along with a huge 80s chorus. Three winners in a row!
Rating: 4.5/5

4. Yes I Know (Nobody's Perfect)-Sonic Boom was billed as a return to the classic 70s sound, but I haven't been getting that vibe; that is until this track. Sleazy lyrics, great guitar work, and a solid chorus. Is this a (great) leftover from Rock & Roll Over?
Rating: 4.5/5

5. Stand-I was worried about this track, to be honest. I sort of expected it to be a flop, but instead the trade-off vocals and God Gave Rock & Roll To You style chorus seamlessly interact. Overall a solid track, but not among the best.
Rating: 3.5/5

6. Hot And Cold-A Gene song with some silly lyrics and yet another great chorus... when will this album let up?
Rating: 4.5/5

7. All For The Glory-Eric takes a shot at lead vocals this time, and it's a winner! I was not especially fond of this song upon first listen, but after another try my opinion has been reversed. Overall, All For The Glory is a solid track with some great vocals.
Rating: 4/5

8. Danger Us-Tommy shreds out another fantastic riff; one of the best yet! A humorous play on words and, you guessed, another great chorus. What's not to like?
Rating: 5/5

9. I'm An Animal-Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Gene anthem! There's been War Machine, Unholy, and now I'm An Animal. This is a song that I can see Kiss playing live for a long time.
Rating: 5/5

10. When Lightning Strikes-Tommy gives vocals a try here, and boy does it work well! An awesome guitar riff, a huge chorus, and best of all, a killer solo. Everything is here. Brilliant.
Rating: 5/5

11. Say Yeah-A simply incredible way to finish off the album. If this is not played live I will die. It's quite possibly the best song Kiss has recorded since I Love It Loud. It is seriously that good. They would be foolish not to end concerts with this.
Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

This is clearly the best Kiss album since Creatures Of The Night.

Slightly New Format

Instead of reviewing any album I feel like I’m going to try and review only new albums, that is unless there is no new material coming out.

-Taylor, Blog Creator/Manager

Sundrown

I recently discovered a really cool band called 'Sundrown'. Their bluesy psychedelic rock is some of the best I've heard. Best of all, their music is available for free.

They have two albums out so far, the first named 'As We Watch The Sun Drown' and the second effort called 'Something Or Another'. Both albums are great, but I personally recommend starting out with the latter.

Also be sure to look out for their new album, 'The 8th Day Bliss', which is to be released soon!

Official Website: http://www.sundrown.net/
Audio Download: http://www.sundrown.net/audio.aspx