LA rockers Dirty Honey boast quite the respectable rise to fame since their formation in 2017. Releasing their debut EP two years later, opening track “When I’m Gone” soared to the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts. The significance? They were the first unsigned band to achieve this feat. Opening for the likes of Slash, The Who and Skillet, Dirty Honey have gone from strength to strength and are catching the ears of classic and modern rock fans in the US and Canada, proving that the rock industry is far from losing its spark.
Fans of the legendary and controversial powerhouse that is Axl Rose will find that they may perk up quickly to the sound of vocalist Marc Labelle’s soaring tenor pipes. Opening with the warmly named, “California Dreamin’”, the band build a strong presence with their clockwork riffs, chiming cymbals and “Sweet Child O’ Mine” reminiscent vocal-focused conclusion.
Produced by Nick DiDia (Rage Against The Machine, Pearl Jam), the band nod to a realm of classic influences, but march to their own drum with their combinations of soulful and bluesy soundscapes. “Tied Up” pinpoints drummer Corey Coverstone’s favoritism of ride cymbal grooves, in a track that oozes the vocal power and rhythmic charisma of fellow American rock act, Rival Sons.
Preceding track “Take My Hand” serves as the confirmation that no member slips out of the spotlight as we weave our way through the album. The track sees DiDia’s craftsmanship seep out within bassist Justin Smolian’s Tim Commerford-esque ostinatos and bottom-heavy sound.
Penultimate track “The Morning”, though a little less refreshing than anticipated in its position as the final climax of the LP, nods to the finesse of simplistic-but-effective ACDC style riffs controlled by guitarist John Notto.
Concluding with the sensual but poignant blues-ballad “Another Last Time”, the album ends on a well-rounded note. A song that tells the tale of a seemingly toxic yet irresistible love, it is characterised by the beauty of melody through both voice and instrument.
For stubborn classic heads that hug their Guns ‘n’ Roses, Aerosmith and Cinderella records, “Dirty Honey” may be the album to guide your palette into the taste of contemporary Rock ‘n’ Roll. Bound with sharp riffs, perky grooves and scorching vocals, Dirty Honey tell us loud and clear who they are and who they love, in their one and only introduction as a band entering the hungry world of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
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