SMITH / KOTZEN – Better Days EP (2021)
BMG will release a limited-edition 1-inch black vinyl of four previously unreleased tracks by Adrian Smith and Richie Kotzen’s project SMITH/KOTZEN on November 26 in conjunction with international Record Store Day’s Black Friday event.
The “Better Days” EP reflects the ongoing strength of the dynamic writing and recording partnership between these two world-class musicians, following their eponymous debut album released in March 2021 to media and fan acclaim, charting in the Top 20 in markets such as U.K., Germany, U.S. and Canada, a tremendous accomplishment for an inaugural collaboration project.
“Better Days” continues this trajectory with its huge hooks and driving riffs, coupled with the pair’s now-traditional vocal trade-offs building to crescendo with its soaring, unforgettable chorus.
The final two songs on the EP were recorded at Windermere on Turks & Caicos Islands in March 2020. “Better Days” and “Got A Hold On Me” followed at The House recording studio in Los Angeles in April 2021 when SMITH/KOTZEN were finally able to reconvene after lockdown and to shoot an accompanying video for the title track.
As with the “Smith/Kotzen” album, the EP was produced by Richie and Adrian, and mixed by Kevin Shirley.
Highly Recommended
1 – Better Days
2 – Got a Hold On Me
3 – Hate and Love
4 – Rise Again
Adrian Smith / Guitar, Vocals
Richie Kotzen / Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Drums
Pre Order;
recordstoreday.com/SpecialRelease/14409
