Review by Peter Finn for MPM
Gone Savage are a melodic hard rock band originating from Manchester, they were formed in 1990 by Ian Salpekar (bass), Will Glover (vocals), Andy J (guitar) and James Ross (drums).
As the band evolved, they would go on to have a long history with several other contributing members. The current line-up consists of Salpekar and Glover, who record and perform as a five-piece with friends and invited guest musicians.
Since their formation Savage Gone have released a number of demos, singles and EP’s, in 2022 they released a digital 12-track self-funded studio album ‘PastLife’ which also included a number of their earlier singles.
‘Retrograde’ is being released worldwide as a 4 panel Digipak CD on Friday 25th October by Los Angeles based Muzzle Records, and contains 10 original tracks, which have been recorded, mixed and mastered in the UK, with a running time of 49-minutes. The album artwork has been designed and illustrated by Hugh Syme.
The album opens with ‘Ram Me Down’ which is the current single, and has already had some radio air-time. You’re hit with a clever mix of guitar riffs over a steady beat. Glover’s vocal is strong and clear, the track reminds me a little of early Ratt, the solo brings a classic rock sound, harmonized backing vocals add another dimension, completing the overall effect. A track that has been assembled with care and consideration. A fine start.
‘Shameless’ starts with an intriguing combination of guitar sounds (there may be a theremin in there too), the upbeat tempo carries Glover’s lyrics with ease. The riffs are dirty with punch. The track pace rises and falls dragging the listener along, the guitar solo is electrifying as the fingers fly over the frets.
The high energy performances continue with ‘Money Power Love’, the driving rhythmic beats direct short punchy riffs and clipped lyrics straight into the ear canal. After a drop in tempo, the track explodes in your face, everything gets heavy and dirty. I enjoyed the exchange between the lead and backing vocals, as if they were having a conversation, ingenious.
Things slow down for ‘Here Comes The Shade’, this is moody and atmospheric. Glover’s vocal is passionate, the spoken backing vocals add depth and melody akin to Linkin Park. The keys and strumming guitar entwine before catapulting a soaring guitar solo through the track, then Glover’s delicate lyrics guide you down.
Acoustic strumming with Glover’s vocal introduces ‘Soul Sister’, mid-way through the second verse the other instruments join in and the tempo increases. It’s a real arm waving track, full of body and sentiment, forged from the template of melodic arena rock. In parts its reminiscent of Bon Jovi’s ‘Wanted, Dead or Alive’.
The pace returns with ‘Adrenaline Junkie’, after a narrated intro, Glover’s vocal kicks us off, the band drop in behind with a hard beat and crushing riffs. Glover’s lyrics are the focal point, the rhythm section producing seismic tremors.
‘World Gone Crazy’ has the undercurrent of the 80’s LA Rock scene, swagger and attitude. Antagonistic riffs with a combative solo. Slow lyrics delivered with purpose; this is carefully constructed track that demonstrates the ability to produce a variety of songs.
The keys and special effects box get an outing for ‘In 2 Ya’. The electro-beat blends with Glover’s spoken lyrics, the slower pace allowing him to emphasize the words with meaning. The drums and guitar solo have the pace fluctuating, it’s hypnotic.
The penultimate ‘Sunshine and Flowers’ is slower, a bit of an indie rock sound, again showing that Gone Savage have the talent to blur the genre boundaries. As we progress through, there are heavy melodic interludes reminding us of their roots. The guitar outro brings something different to the track.
‘Retrograde’ finishes with ‘D.R.O.W.N.I.N.G’, a slow, almost haunting sound, the notes elongated and vocal echo highlighting the semi-psychedelic effect. The backing vocals working in tandem with Glover, give a rich smooth tone, I recall a favourite Alt Rock/Punk band of the late 90’s, Mansun. As the track progresses the atmosphere builds, as you’re carried on a tide of emotion. Listen to this is a darkened room and you’ll feel the music too, it’s a great album closer.
Ian Salpekar, Will Glover and others as Gone Savage have delivered ‘Retrograde’ with aplomb and finesse. They have distorted the genre constraints with an imaginative mix of melodic arena rock, alternative rock, punk and a slice of 80’s LA sleaze, then throw in a pinch of harmonized backing vocals, the result being a cocktail called ‘Retrograde’, it blows your boots off, but I guarantee you’ll want some more.
