I like to listen to music new, old and everything in between. I also have no issue giving something a listen I never heard before. For example at a recent show a song came on the PA so I asked what tune that was. Well, I asked my wife to ask. No soundman would ignore her whereas I am easily ignored! It was “Spanish Stroll” by Mink DeVille….from 1977! Somehow I had totally missed out on this band and awesome song(s). So here I am to introduce another 2 bands, Nasty Ratz and Eat the Gun, I have never heard of before and having given their upcoming/recent releases a listen my thoughts follow.
Consider this Blair’s New & Noteworthy Vol. #2 (thanks Meister for the title!), I think each band has something to offer for a variety of taste.
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Eat The Gun: “Howlinwood”
Release date: Sept. 4 – 2015
Eat the Gun are another German band that knows how to rock! On this, their 5th release they continue to move away from the 80’s rock sound to a bit more similar to Danko Jones sound and they have transitioned very well, keeping the hook-heavy riffs and catchy choruses. Having played alongside Hardcore Superstar and many other prolific European bands, they have built a following. The first 2 songs completely rock out and even when things seem to slow down for the 3rd song it is only for the intro and the song itself seems very Papa Roach sounding, another good thing to me. Later in, I hear some fine punk influences. The vocals are tight to the music, nothing seems forced and the fit is just right. Not sure if that describes where I think most other songs miss the mark, the vocals and music don’t gel together. Not an issue for Eat The Gun. I have to say I feel guilty making comparisons to other bands because from song to song they bring along many styles and genres, and as they say themselves on their site they are not trying to be bound to a specific genre.
While the second half tracks are not as strong for me, they are good and I say this is a very worthwhile listen!
Tracks to try: “Howlinwood” / “How Does it Feel” / “Take it Away”
Eat the Gun Website / Eat the Gun Facebook
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvsPViobTqI[/embedyt]
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Nasty Ratz: “First Bite”
Release date: Sept. 2015
I confess, if you misspell your band name, especially with a “Z”, I am likely to give it a try. That was the case with Nasty Ratz and I’m glad I did! Within first 10 seconds, there is an obvious “Dr. Feelgood” sound on the first track.
The band is from The Czech Republic, this is their first full-length release and have fun names such as Jake Widow, Stevie Gunn and Rikki Wild rounded out by what I’m certain is a tongue in cheek named Tommy Christen. They are playing a brand of sleazy rock n’ roll that seems to do very well in Europe, thank goodness somewhere still likes this sound, I sure do! Amazing backing vocals to go with polished lead vocals. Very reminiscent of a Shotgun Messiah sound, a band I so wish stuck around to give us more great music than we ever received from their short stint. This is glam sleaze rock n’ roll all the way. Reminds me of a Canadian band too: Parlor Trixx. Yes, that is a double xx!
When they slow it does for “Morning Dreams Come True” they begin with the inhale/exhale sound, classic! Damn fine song too, clean vox! I must also mention the fine wailing guitar work throughout, nice!
If you are familiar with my preference, this is it both in sound and image. Well done Nasty Ratz!
Tracks to try: “Love at First Fight” / “Morning Dreams Come True” / “Snort Me” / “N.A.S.T.Y.” (a pure fun song!)
Nasty Ratz – First Bite Pledge Campaign (Czech language)
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZt4faJzqhg[/embedyt]
– Blair De Abreu
