GASOLINE OUTLAWS – No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets (2015)
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There’s not much bands from to explode into the international scene, but when they do, they do bigtime. GASOLINE OUTLAWS is based in Belfast, and their first album “No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets” is one heck of a debut: welding together classic rock, a hint or two of metal, and a whole lot of hard and heavy rocking power into a release that should definitely make people sit up and take notice.
Gasoline Outlaws emerged on to the Northern Ireland rock scene at the turn of this year, when former Black Freeway / Last Known Addiction singer Matt Fitzsimons freshly returned from a sojourn down under, re-united with his brother Chris and in turn teamed up with former Yellow Sam guitarist Adam Parkin and Pay*Ola drummer Adam Callaghan.
The quartet immediately launched themselves into the local live arena, with storming performances everywhere. In between increasingly live gigs, the band have been ensconced in the suitably named Einstein Studios with producer extraordinaire Frankie McClay, producing this, their debut album “No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets”.
One of the more impressive, hard-hitting, intensely passionate and restoratively joyful debut you are unlikely to come across this year.
“No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets” opens with the first track I heard from the band: the riff-heavy blast of rock’n’roll thunder that is ‘Nothing On Me’. Fitzsimons vocals (some Graham Bonnet influenced) soar high above the band’s terrific onslaught here, and it’s a tune that definitely sets the right tone for the rest of the album.
Standout tracks for me, apart from the intense starter, include the headbanging goodness of ‘Lie’ – a bold and ballsy tune that works you over like a steamroller; and the flat-out awesome ‘The Shrouded Wolves’ – a track that is heavy and brawny enough to rip through your roof.
There’s a racing, chasing edge to ‘The Shrouded Wolves’ that is simply exhilirating, and it’s a track I kept coming back to again and again to experience some more. Kick ass.
‘Someday’ is another standout, slowing things down a notch and allowing Gasoline Outlaws to show off their chops and range both vocally and musically – the guitar-work here is outstanding, as it is throughout the album.
‘Heart & Soul’ is another favourite of mine: a roaring and revving souped-up rock’n’roll ride with a thumping drum heartbeat, and riffs heavy enough to blast your hair straight. This crunching, triumphant – and slightly ironic – fist-punching anthem t’s a homage to the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle and the self-belief that is needed for bands and fans alike.
Final track ‘Rising Up’ is another wickedly turbo-charged ride with a barrage of guitar and bass backing up the high-flying vocals.
“No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets” is statement of intent from this young (but highly experienced) band of rock ‘n’ roll outlaws who have delivered a kick ass recording debut.
You get the overall feeling that each and every one of these songs is deeply personal to each and every one of the band members, and that they are drawn from deep within their individual and collective souls.
The result is an album which reflects this: dark and dense yet joyous and celebratory, delivered with passionate fury and furious passion in equal measures – and an essential listen for all genuine fans of good old-fashioned, honest-to-goodness, no excuses – or should that be ‘no rules, no laws, no regrets’ – foockin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Highly Recommended.
01 – Nothing On Me
02 – Lie
03 – The Shrouded Wolves
04 – Stand As One
05 – Come On
06 – Outlaws
07 – Ready To Fly
08 – Someday
09 – Heart & Soul
10 – Rising Up
Vox – Matt Fitzsimons
Guitar – Adam Parkin
Bass – Chris Fitzsimons
Drums – Adam Callaghan
BUY IT !
www.gasolineoutlaws.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-no-rules-no-laws-no-regrets-cd-album
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