THE BAD FLOWERS
“STARTING GUN”
Album Review By Chris Palmer
7.5/10
It’s been some considerable time since I last wrote a review for Metal Gods TV. In fact, I cannot remember my last review before I had the misfortune of having to undergo surgery last year, but 2018 brings a fresh start and a better understanding of my limitations as a reviewer.
Last year saw an incredible amount of excellent releases from the Rock and Metal world as our scene continued to grow, yet 2018 promises to continue that trend. One such band that have been making moves in the world of Rock & Roll is The Bad Flowers.
Hailing from Cannock, this three-piece comprising of Tom Leighton [Vocals/Guitar], Dale Tonks [Bass] and Karl Selickis [Drums] was formed in 2014. With three EPs released since formation and relentless touring schedules, the band has shown huge progression and this year will see the release of debut album, “Starting Gun”, which was recorded at Vigo Studios with producer Adam Beddow [who helped produce Diamond Head’s recent music].
“Starting Gun” contains eleven tracks which are spread over 41 minutes and 46 seconds and launches straight at you with the excellent “Thunder Child”. This is a superb opening number and contains some excellent guitar-play from Tom as well as a superb rumbling bass from Dale. The riffs are huge and the chorus has a tendency to stick in the memory like glue. It’s immediately obvious why this number was chosen as the first single from the album.
“Lions Blood” keeps things rocking with its quick pace and Hard Rockin’ rhythm. This song was actually one of the first ones written by the band, and it’s obvious that this three-piece have a natural ability to write good, catchy Rock & Roll songs. This statement is proved again with “Secrets” before proceedings slow a little with the brilliant “Rich Man”, which has a terrific Blues Rock feel to it.
The album takes a dramatic turn towards a slow, acoustic sound as Tom sings beautifully throughout the personal “I Hope”. While this was a last minute addition to the album, I’m pleased that it was included because it shows the ability and versatility of The Bad Flowers, as does the emotional “Let’s Misbehave”. The musicianship on display throughout this track in particular is excellent. The guitar solos from Tom send shivers down your spine and everything is held together by Dale’s bass and Karl’s perfectly executed drumming. What a great track!
“Who Needs A Soul” ups the tempo with an outstandingly dirty groove that’ll get your head nodding and foot tapping. The rhythm gets you in the mood immediately and you’ll be hitting the repeat button numerous times during this great Blues Rock number and its follow-up, “Be Your Man”, will leave an everlasting impression too!
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any heavier, “Hurricane” hits you like ….well, like a hurricane! Like “Lions Blood”, this was also one of the first songs written by the band which just had to be added to the album and must be a terrific song to hear during a live set. The crowd will definitely be bouncing around to this one! “I Don’t Believe It”, keeps the momentum going with its heavy riffs and massive chorus before the utterly brilliant “City Lights” brings the album to a close.
I can honestly say that I fell in love with “Starting Gun” the very first time I heard it! It’s an album that is chock full of excellent Hard Rock and Blues Rock songs which never overstay their welcome. At almost 42 minutes, the album is the perfect length but, if you’re like me, you’ll be making good use of the repeat button throughout! Whilst I really enjoyed listening to this album personally and found it easy to follow, one thing that could add to the overall rating is additional chord variety. Don’t get me wrong, the music is great, yet the band do seem to stay with the 3-chord structure predominantly throughout. If more variety of chords were to be added to the overall sound, then this would’ve scored higher.
“Starting Gun” will be released on Friday 16th February and is a must have for anybody who loves their Hard/Blues Rock. You’re gonna want to keep an eye on these guys, they’re gonna be huge!
TRACKLIST
Thunder Child
Lions Blood
Secrets
Rich Man
I Hope
Let’s Misbehave
Who Needs A Soul
Be Your Man
Hurricane
I Don’t Believe It
City Lights
The Bad Flowers will be touring the UK with Stone Broken and Jared James Nichols in February and March. Details are available here: https://metalgodstv.com/the-bad-flowers-interview/
https://www.thebadflowers.uk
https://www.facebook.com/thebadflowersband
https://twitter.com/thebadflowers
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