Review by Pete Finn for MPM
Formed in 2010 in Dereham, Norfolk, and influenced by the likes of Led Zeppelin, The Black Crowes, and Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bad Touch have grown and developed their ‘Down ‘n’ Dirty’ style of rock ‘n’ roll, and in doing so becoming a “Must See” band.
They include Stevie Westwood (vocals), Rob Glendinning (guitar), Daniel ‘Seeks’ Seekings (guitar/vocals), Michael Bailey (bass) and George Drewry (drums/vocals). Their first album ‘Half Way Home’ was released in 2015, and ‘Bittersweet Satisfaction’ will be their fifth when it’s released on 8th December 2023 on Marshall Records.
After teasing us with single releases since July, ‘Bittersweet Satisfaction’ has finally arrived. The album consists of 10-tracks with a combined running time of around 34-minutes.
We open with ‘Slip Away’, the jangly riff, quick-fire drums and slapping bass pulls you up by the ears straight away. Westwood’s quick lyrics match the tempo and excitement, the sound is rich and heavy. A pure classic rock solo makes this a must in a live show, the place will be jumping. An extremely impressive start.
The aural treats continue with ‘This Life’, more high tempo beats and silky vocal tones. This track has the up-beat vibe that picks you up instantly, the chorus is catchy and you’re nodding along before you know it. Westwood moves his voice effortlessly higher to make the mix of vocal and instruments a perfect cocktail, actually it’s more like a shot, as it’s finished far too quickly.
The most recent and third single ‘Spend My Days’ is next. This track clearly demonstrates the bands individual talents as there is clear segregation and differentiation of sound between the members, from the jangly guitar riffs of Glendinning and ‘Seeks’, the metronome precision of Drewry, the controlled power of Bailey and the clever variation in vocal from Westwood. Each member is producing a simultaneous complimentary solo. A very astute piece.
It’s time for the title-track ‘Bittersweet Satisfaction’. The juggernaut keeps rolling, this is a monster of track. This is a fine example of the “Bad Touch sound”, heavy beats, short crunching riffs and rapid vocals. An instant toe-tapper with a stadium anthem chorus, including harmonies, melodies and kick-ass guitars.
The first single ‘Nothing Wrong With That’ eases in with a smooth boogie feel. Universally radio friendly but keeping the Bad Touch swagger. An ingenious track, you can play it loud or softly, it works both ways and there is certainly nothing wrong with that…
‘Taste This’ marks the half-way point. This is a bit slower and moodier, atmospheric, think Peter Gabriel. Thoughtful and pushy provocative. The ebbs and flow of tempo controlled by Drewry is brilliant, but wow, the mixture of guitars are superb, just superb.
The Bailey bass driven ‘Tonight’, is back in the happy and bouncy camp, it’s full of fun, almost a pop song. It won’t be a mosh pit but it will get the dancers moving. It goes to show how the band have evolved, and have both the ability and confidence to nudge their norms.
‘Come Back Again’ is mellow and bluesy, Westwood’s vocal the perfect partner for this sound, the band’s instruments are his backing singers. Each note is played with thought. The guitars are momentarily let loose, but Westwood’s soothing lyrics entice them back in.
The second single ‘See It To Believe It’ is the penultimate track. This is from the classic Bad Touch up-beat blues mould that the fans love. The tempo builds throughout, an essential party tune that will get the crowd rocking, clapping and singing when played live.
We arrive at the final track ‘Dizzy For You’ far too quickly. A “send them home happy and singing” song. A great closer, again a fine mix of sounds and tempos, it has the feel of freedom from a jam session, with each participant just knowing what will work with the others. A real band.
‘Bittersweet Satisfaction’ is a superb way to spend some time, it’s a must for any blues/rock music fan. The production and work by those both sides of the desk is excellent. If you’ve been too naughty for Santa to bring it to you, shell out some of your own ‘Hard Earnt’ and treat yourself. Bad Touch have not just raised the bar very high for themselves to follow, but they’ve done it to everyone else too.
BAD TOUCH
Stevie Westwood – Vocals, Rob Glendinning – Guitar, Daniel Seekings – Guitar, Michael Bailey – Bass, George Drewry – Drums
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