GRINDHOUSE (feat Michael Bormann) – Chapter 1 (2015)

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Italian hard rockers GRINDHOUSE started to work on their debut album “Chapter 1” in 2013, fast forward two years and they are about to unleash the finished product featuring the talents of Michael Bormann (Jaded Heart) on vocals.
The album is full of good time ‘rawking’ tunes and infectious grooves, mostly inspired by the late ’80s American scene.

The guys in Grindhouse compose good, compact, effective Hard Rock songs with an edge here and there. The six-strings are pretty upfront (there are 3 guitarists!) and the rhythm section is assembled in the classic mould of the genre, this meaning US sound & style, let’s say Ratt or Motley Crue.
I like the way the album opens via “After Midnight” propelled by some pounding drums, racing guitars and with Bormann’s vocals instantly catching your attention.
Next we have a cover, a rocking version of Chaka Khan’s disco hit “Ain’t Nobody”. The song is almost unrecognizable, as Grindhouse re-worked the tune in a pumping way resulting in one of the more modern-sounding cuts on the CD.

“The Stunt” returns to the classic ’80s arrangements, this time with a slightly hair metal good time vibe. On this song the band reminds me another young act recently appeared into the Melodic Rock scene (featured here on the blog), Farraday.
“The Way Out” has some seriously cool riffs, without a doubt one of the strongest songs on the album, harder thanks to the thick riffs and seasoned vocals.

The obligatory ballad arrives with “The Enemy”, although it maintains a midtempo pace alongside meaty instrumentation, and Bormann shines here.
At this point and with 5 songs pretty varied, I have to say that Michael Bormann delivers another solid performance on this recording, the man is like a chameleon with a great ability to adapt his pipes to any song.
Bormann has added an extra plus to Grindhouse’s songs, which perhaps in the hands of other ‘more regular’ singer would have sounded average. He also has provided the platform to release this CD through his own label.

“Nothing Gonna Stop Me” has a hint to US sleazy with gang backing vocals, a strong valvular guitar work and a groovy riff, while “Titty Twister” is a fine tongue-in-cheek rocker but over a 5 minute mark results a little long.
“Wild Dusk” sees the band down by the bayou with some catching deep rooted blues and even some funky riffs. Final track “What A Night” flirt with some genuine Whiskey A Go-Go atmosphere and owns some grit with its solid verses and juicy guitars.

Grindhouse delivers a traditional US Hard Rock sound on their debut “Chapter 1” via well composed and performed songs in this style. It’s mostly guitar driven rockers (solid six-string work) with melodic licks and fine solos, and Bormann’s presence adds that little bit ‘extra’ to make them stronger.
“Chapter 1” may not be perfect but its title says all; this is the first step from this promising band from Italy, let’s see where they go from here.
Quite Recommended.

01 – After Midnight
02 – Ain’t Nobody (Chaka Khan cover)
03 – The Stunt
04 – The Way Out
05 – The Enemy
06 – Nothing Gonna Stop Me
07 – Titty Twister
08 – Wild Dusk
09 – What A Night

Michael Bormann – Vocals
Stefano Martolini – Guitar
Giorgio Calabrese – Guitar
Piero Ventimiglio – Guitar
Andrea Cicero – Bass
Francesco Missale – Drums

PRE-ORDER:
www.grindhouse-band.com/#!album2/c1pa6
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