Review by Phil Rozier for MPM
What’s not to like about a sequined jacket, snazzy hat and a Rolling Stones-esque sound to your first solo effort? Well, not much I say. Dave Hill, from that little known band to have survived since the 70’s, has recorded his first solo record after founding Slade all those Christmas’s ago.
Of an age for sure, but with literal decades of experience, this new rock n roll number is a great rock n chill track. With a mug of tea in the garden, or with a beer in hand as the party gets started, this cross-scenario recording is a joy to listen to.
Opening with a classic guitar riff, not unlike The Stones, but, with its own party vide, Hill is clearly writing about how he’s rev’d up and ready to go. With his own band, own freedom (it would appear) it sounds as if this work was a long time coming. Get ya mates together, get the gear tuned up, and start hitting the road in order to show your work to the crowd.
With a child like excitement in his lyrics, and a vintage style sound in his fingertips, this is easy listening enjoyable rock at its finest. Developed with John Berry and produced by Rob Childs, the sound is that kind of classic, crowd enjoyment anthem. Open to everyone, enjoyed by everyone. As a gig goer, the track captures that anticipation of the night out, from getting your shoes on to waiting for the curtain to fall after the 3 flashes of the stage torch to the sound desk.
‘Dirty Foot Lane’ will be Hill’s debut album, released later in the year in October I believe. I’m excited to listen to the 10 tracks, with John on vocals for some, and Hill taking the lead on the majority. I think it’ll be a pretty ‘happy go gritty’ storey, formed in the past but uplifting the future.
It’s only rock n roll, but you’ll like it.
“Play It To The Crowd” is available now: https://JCPL.lnk.to/PlayItToTheCrowd
Dave Hill’s debut solo album Dirty Foot Lane is released on October 30th.
Pre-order/pre-save: https://linktr.ee/dirtyfootlane
