Review by Phil Rozier for MPM
There are times when music journos feel the need to waffle on with a bit of backstory, as if you, dear reader, have just crawled out from under a rock behind the bins at the Dog & Duck.
But honestly, do we need it? If you don’t already know the magnificence of Rachel Bolan, the low end thunder merchant from Skid Row, then congratulations: you’ve somehow avoided 40 years of riffs, riots and righteous noise. Impressive. Wrong, but impressive.
Someone once said to me, “He’s the fella with the nose ring from that 80s band, isn’t he?”
Well… yes, technically. But let’s bin the labels, the nose jewellery and the decade references. None of that matters here. What matters is this: Bolan has released a solo track, and it absolutely rips.
If you’re lurking around Metal Planet Music, chances are you like your tunes loud, fast, and capable of waking the neighbours’ dog. So do yourself a favour, don’t wait for the vinyl, don’t even pretend you’re going to “support physical media first.” Get on your streaming platform of choice and hit play. Immediately. Go on. I’ll wait.
What hits you first is a high octane, mid fretboard riff that practically sprints out of the speakers, followed by a classic one two drum punch that would make any punk purist nod in approval. Then comes the palm muted chug, the open chord chorus, the shout along hook. It’s punk rock 101, but delivered with the swagger of someone who’s been doing this longer than most of us have been alive. Fast. Fun. Frenetic. Topical. Textbook.
And here’s the kicker: Bolan ditches the bass (at least in the video) and straps on a guitar like he’s been cheating on his four string for decades. Sure, he’s an accomplished bassist, that’s not up for debate, but watching him wield a guitar feels suspiciously natural. Like he’s been moonlighting as a six string slinger when no one was looking.
After steering Skid Row through more ups, downs and sideways detours than a soap opera plotline, this track feels like Bolan stepping into a space he’s always secretly belonged. And then there’s Danko Jones. Appearing as Bolan’s inner voice. Because of course he is. Who wouldn’t want Danko Jones yelling inside their head? Actually, scratch that. Terrifying thought. But it works.
The result is a track that feels both brand new and gloriously retro. A Frankenstein’s monster of punk attitude, rock heritage and modern grit. You’ll hear echoes of other bands, other eras, other anthems; this thing stands on its own two feet, middle fingers raised, boots laced tight.
It’s raw. It’s fast. And it proves that 40 years in rock doesn’t mellow you. If anything, it wakes you up!
Ignore the labels. Ignore the nostalgia. Just enjoy the ride.
As an opening shot from a solo album due in 2026, it’s done its job. I’m sold! If Bolan takes this energy on tour, I’ll be first in line. This track alone is worth the ticket price.
Turn it up. Then turn it up again.
The album is out on June 12th and will be available as CD digipak, LP gatefold, as well as digital and download. PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE
At its core, “Gargoyle of the Garden State” is Bolan at his most honest, a record full of attitude, melody, and personality unmistakably his own.
Track listing CD/LP:
A
Anything But You
At War With Myself feat. Danko Jones
Memory
See You On The Other Side feat. Snake Sabo
Bridges feat. Steve Conte
B
Jet Black Universe feat. Nuno Bettencourt
Big Stick feat. Corey Taylor
Pretty Hell
Rock And Roll Star feat. Scotti Hill
Devil In The White
Walk Away feat. Damon Johnson
Rachel Bolan online:
