ATTICA RAGE –
Road Dog [Album]
Rocksector Records – Out Now
Attica Rage mean
business and having cut their teeth on the circuit since 2003, they ooze
hard-rock charisma with each of the fourteen tracks on their latest release ‘Road
Dog’. For any techies out there, it’s worth noting that the album was recorded
with producer Roddy Macaudio and mastered at Masterdisk, New York (Metallica,
Ozzy, Pantera, Nirvana, Pearl Jam) by Michael Tucci. The reason I note this, is
to confirm the melting pot of influences Attica Rage have drawn upon to create
such an album.
Remember how
music used to be? Full of crunching, dirty riffs and simple choral chants which
you could never fail but join in with. Well, that is exactly what is offered by
Attica Rage. Experience has proved that less is indeed more and arranging a
plethora of melodies over a template of 80’s inspired guitar work leaves you
with a sense of nostalgia, and thus, one of acceptance for what A.R. have
managed to achieve. ‘Road Dog Forever’ is the perfect example of the
aforementioned sound and it delivers on every level.
The six minute ‘Lost’
secures the crown for token power ballad and showcases the band for their true
musicianship. It would have been great to hear a screamer of a guitar solo in
there, as it is definitely within the grasp of the axe wielders, however the
track is still worthy of note. For those craving something a little heavier,
turn your attention to ‘Change In The Iris’ and ‘Back to the old school’ (which
does exactly what it says on the tin).
Sure, there are
some moments of déjà vu, as riffs and lyrical explorations sound reminiscent of
numerous acts in days gone by and this will no doubt divide the critics. On a
personal level, if a band can cut the same chops as their idols and do it with
zest and skill, I have no qualms whatsoever.
Attica Rage have
been a band whose name has cropped up over the years, but perhaps overshadowed
by those who they have supported. Nevertheless, I fully expect ‘Road Dog’ to
encourage new fans of classic rock to step forth and raise a glass to these guys.
Head over to their social networking pages for a taste of what you have been
missing out on.
Review by Dan ‘Zorro’
Balchin
Check out Sonic Shocks interview with the guys at Hard Rock Hell IV
Attica Rage mean
business and having cut their teeth on the circuit since 2003, they ooze
hard-rock charisma with each of the fourteen tracks on their latest release ‘Road
Dog’. For any techies out there, it’s worth noting that the album was recorded
with producer Roddy Macaudio and mastered at Masterdisk, New York (Metallica,
Ozzy, Pantera, Nirvana, Pearl Jam) by Michael Tucci. The reason I note this, is
to confirm the melting pot of influences Attica Rage have drawn upon to create
such an album.