On the 10th July, Ian Day, Ben Attwood, Steve Kitchener and Richard Tunbridge, collectively known as Gallows Circus release their brand new single ‘Hell’s Whiskey’.
Gallows Circus are a highly rated, Kent based rock act who have built a formidable reputation with their ‘blues stained’ hard rock since they formed in October 2016. Pulling influences from legendary acts like Led Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac and Thin Lizzy through to Rival Sons and Soundgarden they have entertained crowds all over the UK and created for themselves a strong and loyal fanbase.
Although unmistakably still Gallows Circus there is a slightly different sound to ‘Hell’s Whiskey’, the first track to be released from the bands 2nd EP which is due out later this year. I put that down in part to the change in guitarist, as this blisteringly hot number features Ben Attwood on guitar and not Jim Rycroft, who he replaced in 2019. Ben is by his own admission a different style of guitarist to his predecessor and that shows through here.
The track initially caught me off guard slightly as the delicate opening 10 seconds left me forgetfully unaware of the sonic assault that was then about to hit my ear drums as the guitars get fully unleashed and the powerhouse rhythm section of Steve Kitchener and Richard Tunbridge kick in to test out your stereo speakers.
That rhythm section continue to give it everything as they create a forceful beat that drives the track though out. The guitar work from Attwood is exemplary and clearly shows that the band have recruited a worthwhile replacement who will add something sensational to their well grooved sound.
Talking of groove, I absolutely love the groove that Gallows Circus generate in their writing and playing and just like the songs from their first EP, ‘Hell’s Whiskey’ is completely laden with it.
This is an absolute ripsnorter of a tune and will surely enable the band to build on their loyal fan base in the build up to the EP release in the Autumn. Personally I have lost count how many times I have seen the band play live in 2019 and 2020 before Covid-19 hit but I know they have included the track in their live set for a few months and I know how much the Gallows Circus faithful have taken it to their hearts.
My final words about it though must be about Ian Day, their charismatic frontman who has an outstanding vocal range. He teases you with glimpses of it throughout here but on the last line you get a little glimpse of his full potential as he raises the bar with the line “I’ll take the bottle with me”, which if given the chance he will. You have been warned.
‘Hell’s Whiskey’ may be the tracks title but whatever whiskey it was that they were necking when writing the song, it sure as hell came from heaven and not hell as this is three and a half minutes of whiskey drenched blues laden rock that will get inside your head very quickly and you won’t want it to leave.
Gallows Circus
Ian Day – Vocals
Ben Attwood – Guitars
Richard Tunbridge – Bass
Steve Kitchener – Drums
Find them online
https://www.gallowscircus.co.uk
www.facebook.com/GallowsCircus
www.instagram.com/gallowscircus
Review by Darren Smith for MPM
