SHE BITES – Joyride (2020)
SHE BITES came into life in 2019 with the focus to create a great blend of hook-driven AOR, 80s classic rock&pop with lots of roaring and rocking guitars. Berlin-based singer and actress Melanie Stahlkopf, who has already performed all over Europe with several projects, and Lars König (g, LIONCAGE, ex SKYLINE) who also took over all the studio work, decided to start something new to explore new grounds. Joining König and Stahlkopf in SHE BITES are Carsten Kohl (d, THREE WISHES) and Arvid Lucas (b, LIONCAGE).
Within only nine month, their debut album “Joyride” was completed, to be released by Pride & Joy Records this month.
SHE BITES is all about the ’80s, when feel good music was on the radio and MTV. And the band not only delivers AOR and Melodic Rock here, but also that kind of good, well done rock & pop from the era. The album opens with a rocker driven by a strong riff, “Demons”, a punchy tune akin Fiona, Lee Aaron or Robin Beck.
But it’s with the next cut, title track “Joyride” where SHE BITES brings back that kind of catchy songs that woulda been a hit in 1986. Energetic and with a great chorus.
Next it’s time for a midtempo AOR into “Heartbreak Hotel”, and addictive melodious track where Melanie gets the spotlight. Her voice is really versatile, and one of the selling points of SHE BITES.
She can go from the joyful performance of “Dance For You”, to get a dramatic delivery on “I’ll Be Alright”, an emotive ballad where the piano adds even more drama.
Without a doubt, being an actress really benefits Melanie as performer.
SHE BITES then surprise with the Hi-tech AOR synths which opens “Rock This Night”, a melodic rock anthem where Melanie duets with Olaf Senkbeil (Dreamtide, Blind Guardian) for great effect, while “Punches” adds punch for a guitar driven rocker.
Despite its name, “The Simple Song” is one of the more ambitious songs on the album. There’s coloful synths and harmony vocals melting into a sticky chorus.
Then “Push The Button” is a cover of British girl band Sugababes, poppy but done by the band with a rocking yet always melodic riff.
SHE BITES conjures ’80s melodic rock, radio-friendly AOR and pumping rock&pop with ease on “Joyride”, indeed a joyful record to make you feel good this troubled summer. It’s all very well glued, with the right production & mix.
Highly Recommended
01. Demons
02. Joyride
03. She’s on Fire
04. Heartbreak Hotel
05. Dance for You
06. I’ll Be Alright
07. Rock This Night (feat. Olaf Senkbeil)
08. Punches
09. The Simple Song
10. Heaven Sent
11. Push the Button
Melanie Stahlkopf – Vocals
Lars Konig – Guitars
Carsten Kohl – Drums
Arvid Lucas – Bass
Guest:
Olaf Senkbeil – Additional Vocals (on Track 7)
PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.co.uk/Joyride-She-Bites/dp/B08767B3XJ
