BAD BONES – High Rollers (2018)
We have featured here Italian melodic hard rockers BAD BONES some time ago, and now the group are releasing their fifth album “High Rollers” which really deserve major exposure, because these guys really get better and better with each new LP.
Bad Bones have toured over Europe and America (Whisky A Go-Go and all the Californian circuit) for years and you can feel the experience in every track; oiled classy melodious hard rock with the catchy ’80s factor in full. It’s the electric vibe of the thousand shows played by this well-traveled combo around the world.
“High Rollers” will literally shake your bones through its 10 tracks, you don’t need more, just 10 good and effective rockers as it used to be in your ’80s LP’s.
The powerful voice of Max Malmerenda (at places reminds me of Badland’s singer Ray Gillen, at others Steve Lee, the late Gotthard frontman) will lead you on a journey made by a bouncy groovy rhythm section and sharp riffs courtesy of Sergio Aschieris and his outstanding melodies.
Musically, Bad Bones sounds like a mix of Van Halen, Extreme (minus the funk) and Gotthard, clearly ’80s inspired yet with an updated production.
Opener ‘American Days’ talks about the band experience in the US, and musically rocks with racing riffs akin early ’90s Mr. Big meets Van Halen.
Follower ‘Lost Again’ is a wonderful melodic hard rocker driven by a pumping bass line, swirling guitar work, and sporting a catchy chorus, very well arranged in harmonies. In this track you can hear how much Bad Bones have evolved, the notes are in the right place, the verses built to a killer bridge and the chorus, as said, is rich with infectious harmonies.
‘Wild Rose’ deliver more quality melodious hard and a stupendous guitar work (seriously), ‘Midnight Rider’ rocks with more groove, ‘Solitary Fields’ slow down things a little for a midpaced semi-ballad pace, and next ‘Now or Never’ brings back the solid riffs for a melodic hard rocker, this time with an Euro feeling.
‘Blood Trails’ is a vehement ’80s rocker while not disdaining an unconditional love for the melody, especially in the open and catchy refrain. It continues with the dynamite ‘Wolf Town’ in which Bad Bones push on all cylinders, darting on a hypothetical highway in the desert that surrounds Los Angeles on a vintage Mustang with the lowered hood. It’s one of the best songs on an album plenty of good songs.
‘Story of a Broken Bone’ is a middle of the road melodic rock tune with a midtempo punch and lovely melody which brings to my mind a Slaughter song of old.
“High Rollers” closes with ‘Rock’n Me’, another winner, since it has an absolutely irresistible rockin’ shot and will stay with you for days in its successful mix between bluesy hard rock and American melodic rock. Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth, Wonderworld), Tiziano Spigno (Extrema, Lucky Bastardz) and Simone Mularoni (Jorn, DGM) make guest appearances singing lead vocal parts for great effect.
Apart from the solid songwriting – seriously, not a weak track here – and great performances, an important role in the success of “High Rollers” is the pristine, melodious punchy bright production by Mularoni / Tiranti, shaping and melding the sound of Bad Bones which preserves their live energy and lets each and every track explode from your device.
Yeah, Bad Bones “High Rollers” sounds and feels like those lovable American productions circa 1989-91. It’s a pretty awesome, enjoyable recording. Believe me.
HIGHLY Recommended
01 – American Days
02 – Lost Again
03 – Wild Rose
04 – Midnight Rider
05 – Solitary Fields
06 – Now or Never
07 – Blood Trails
08 – Wolf Town
09 – Story of a Broken Bone
10 – Rock’n Me
Max Malmerenda / vocals
Sergio Aschieris / guitar, back vox
Steve Balocco / bass, back vox
Lele Balocco / drums
guests:
Roberto Tiranti (Labyrinth, Wonderworld)
Tiziano Spigno (Extrema, Lucky Bastardz)
Simone Mularoni (DGM)
BUY IT !
badbones.bigcartel.com/product/high-rollers
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