Formed way back in 1983 and returning with their first full fledged set of new material since 1990, the ultimate good time rock n roll party band that is “Jetboy” promised us something special and after repeated plays I can happily announce they are true to their word. With founder members “Fernie Rod” Guitars and “Billy Rowe” Guitars, they are of course fronted by the larger than life “Mickey Finn” vocals, with Bass duties covered by former Faster Pussycat man “Eric Stacey”,rounding things off we have drummer “Al Serrato” so what better way to start 2019 with the long awaited Jetboy album’
“Beating The Odds” kicks the album off in aggressive fashion and I was a bit taken aback by the shear power of both the music and “Finns” gravelly lower toned vocals with both guitars shredding like crazy with dual harmonies signalling a real statement of intent. Half way through the track breaks down into a short Rock n Roll guitar shuffle with a voice that sounds very much like the late great Lemmy Kilminster certainly a rip roaring opener.
Next up is the title track “Born To Fly” and vintage Jetboy with the vintage sound is in full flow with a catchy as hell chorus and a tambourine keeping the groove going I defy anyone to not get the urge to sing away with this track blasting out of the nearest speaker.
A simple snare drum shuffle introduces “Old Dog New Tricks” with mouth organ keeping the Rock N Roll vibe going with a heavy as hell guitar solo before it all breaks down into more infectious mouth organ. One thing Jetboy do well is compose the most stupendous hooks and choruses.
Imagine Poison from the Every Rose Has Its Thorn era then look no further than “The Way That You Move Me” with its acoustic guitars and Country twang with full on female backing vocals such a lovely song that purrs along faster than your average ballad but once again another side to this great group.
If you like a AC/DC riff then “She” should tick all the boxes with its hammer guitars and solid drums and a solid bass line underpinning the whole thing, then we get the sound of a phone ringing and girls talking about the way their social media exploits are going !! just good time fun with nothing being taken too seriously.
“A Little Bit Easy” showcases Finns distinctive vocals and blended in with more razor sharp guitars it has all the swagger of the “Stones” with the crunch of “Guns N Roses” In the press release for this album “Mickey Finn” said he wrote “Every Time I Go” for his wife and I can only presume its for when he has to leave to hit the road for a tour, another toe tapper with a chorus that stands out like a sore thumb.
Jetboy certainly like their slide guitar with “Smoky Ebony” being full to the brim with wonderful guitar and more female backing vocals that sounds like a crossover of heavy blues and deep south the likes of which Black Stone Cherry would be proud of, with harmonica following the song through every twist and turn, again this shows a welcome other side to the group.
No Jetboy album would feel complete without a song that best sums them up. “Party Time” says it all really. All about going to work punching the clock earning a pay cheque and waiting for the weekend to start. Ok so its lyrics we have all heard a million times before from a million other artists but who cares because if its good time Rock N Roll your after with nothing to serious then look no further than this album its guaranteed to put a smile on your face even on a wet Monday morning.
Review by Steve Bruty
