Review by Paul Monkhouse for MPM
Tuk Smith is a survivor. Having been through the highs and lows of the business, the former Biters frontman decided to take things into his own hands and with nattily titled sophomore ‘Rogue to Redemption’, he and the Restless Hearts are in a better, more commanding place than ever.
Whilst the intent here is undoubtedly to rock out, the new release sees Smith and Co having a lot of fun and the whole atmosphere surrounding the album is one of celebration and good times. It’s also a heady and nostalgic renewal of days gone by, the flashes of old school rock sparkling like rough diamonds through the lively production.
In this album, huge hooks are king and opener ‘Take the Long Way’ glories in a huge one, the song’s college New Wave Rock vibe slathered in a 1980’s vibe that practically bounces down through its length. Whilst the upbeat flavour remains in the following ‘Glorybound’, this sees Smith spicing the bubblegum with the grit The Clash used to bring to their combat rock and anthemic singalong ‘End of an Era’ brings yet another facet they handle with ease. With his characterful vocals and confident fretwork, the main man shows himself to be someone not afraid to push both boundaries and himself, bass player Matthew Curtis and drummer Nigel Dupree adding their own sprinkles of pitch perfect magic to the mix.
From stadium-filling rockers like ‘Runnin’ with the Wild Ones’ to the Thin Lizzy-like ‘Still a Dreamer’ and ‘Little Renegade’, the former echoing the groove of ‘Dancing in the Moonlight’, the album is shot through with an honest optimism and this translates into guaranteed good times. Elsewhere, ‘Lost Boy’ shows off guitar playing chops, the solo sizzling and the big, ballsy acoustic based ‘Blood on the Stage’ display a real class and the line “My serotonin’s ruined’ from closer ‘When the Party’s Over’ shows the fierce intelligence and clever wordplay that underpins the good times.
Life may have been a real rollercoaster ride for Smith but if he continues to channel those challenges into music this good, they’ll be endless climbs upwards with barely the smallest of dips down. ‘Rogue to Redemption’ is not just an apt title fronting a good album but the name of a truly great one.
Rogue To Redemption track listing:
1.Take The Long Way
2.Glorybound
3.End Of An Era
4.Still A Dreamer
5.Little Renegade
6.Blood On The Stage
7.Lost Boy
8.Down The Road
9.Rogue To Redemption
10.When The Party’s Over* with Dave Matthews Band
Pre-order digitally here or for physical options, here.
For all tour dates – including shows in Spain, France, and Japan – and to get tickets, visit https://www.tuksmithandtherestlesshearts.com/.
