Review by Taf Rock for MPM
Jack Hutchinson gathers the troops and marches into Battle – with Kris Barras’ drummer Billy Hammett dug deep in the trenches and fellow Kris Barras’ bandmate Josiah J Manning riding shotgun on bass and providing additional guitar parts Jack has assembled a formidable unit which is a force to be reckoned with.
A man of many talents, Manning is also responsible for co-writing and producing this ten track disc recorded at his own Momentum Studios in Plymouth, a space he originally built and designed with the assistance of his grandfather.
We kick off proceedings with the lead single from Battles – Constellations. Already a hit in its own right achieving widespread praise from critics and plenty of airplay on rock radio Constellations is the perfect opener, a rip-roaring fast paced belter of a track. A solid bassline and thunderous drums provide a concrete foundation for Jack to build on as he excels on both guitar and vocals throughout the three brief minutes of a track that is straight to the point and packed to the brim with magnificent hooklines. ‘Stand tall, I’ve found my better days, dig deep, I’ve learned to walk away’. An anthemic chorus, lyrics we can all identify with as we fight our own personal battles in life.
We continue to advance at pace towards enemy lines with Days Are Gone. A driving riff full of energy at the heart of this track. The chorus is exceptional, both melodic and memorable. The full range of Jack’s impressive vocals are exhibited here. ‘Lessons learned, keep your enemies closer… turn the page, the path up ahead is clearer’. More meaningful lyrics in a similar vein to Constellations. Jack is telling us to learn from our mistakes and embrace life. Move on, never give up and ‘feel alive’. As the track draws to a close Jack’s vocal is brought to the fore with a brief solo spot emphasising his wise words of advice ‘Say what you will and be who you are… perfection is a state of mind’ before Billy, Josiah and Jack close out a colossal track in unison.
To win any battle you need a plentiful supply of ammunition. Jack supplies this with a three minute long continuous hail of Bullets.
An express train of a riff mows down all obstacles clearing the path forward for Jack and his army to advance, foot to the floor the trio are firing on all cylinders here. Billy’s drums batter all opposition into submission whilst Josiah’s bass scythes down the last remaining strands of resistance. As ‘bullets swarm around us like insects’ Jack’s confident and determined vocals deliver the lyrics like guided missiles which hit their targets with pinpoint accuracy. ‘Its time to forget all of the tears’, Jack unleashes his ultimate weapon – a killer guitar break to ensure this battle enters the pages of history in a victorious manner.
Road To Hell – a brief respite from the album’s breakneck pace thus far as we slow things down slightly. ‘The wind it beats upon the face … Of a man who fell from grace’. ‘One hand on the bottle … One foot in the grave … With a flip of the coin all the cards are dealt… No hope left in the wishing well’.
Running On Empty – an incredible stop start riff forms the backbone of this track with a colossal performance loaded with powerful energy from Billy on drums. ‘No time to make believe … I’m back up off my knees…hold my glass it’s time to break free’. The confident rhythm section once again allowing Jack to excel both on vocals and guitar.
‘With the devil on your back there’s no time for looking back’ as we Rip It Up. Another full on balls to the wall energetic rocker. ‘The reflection that you see is love not hate’. ‘Lay your soul to waste’ as Jack launches into a flawless lead break.
We rein things back in slightly with the melodic Love Is The Law – ‘A crime is what you make of it … is it just words that make you lose your grip’. Jack’s beautiful bluesy tinged solo full of emotion. ‘Step by step … forget regret … turn wrong to right.’
Battles may be the title of this most excellent release by Jack Hutchinson but Don’t Let The Fuckers Get You Down could well be the pseudonym by which this album becomes known. The title says it all really. It sums up the message behind each track on this album. Stand up for yourself, be your own person, don’t let yourself be pushed around. Setting off at a breakneck pace there’s no messing with this particular track. More insane kitwork and driving bass sets things up perfectly for Jack to launch into his most frantic and frenzied solo of the album. ‘All the lies you tell … Become a wishing well’. The audience at future gigs is sure to love joining Jack in belting out those words ‘Don’t Let The Fuckers Get You Down’ with determination and conviction.
‘All your hopes are shattered dreams’ as Overdrive rips ‘n’ roars along on the back of a killer riff that the likes of Motorhead and Metallica would be proud of. Billy once again providing the energy from the back on his drum kit ably assisted by Josiah with a growling bass sound. This particular song the ultimate definition of the term ‘power trio’.
Jack’s guitar eases us gently into our final track Stay With Me – ‘I have been framed … Left hanging by a rope … crawling in the dirt’. Jack’s vocal to the fore ‘Been a fool for love … And I made mistakes … the hurt will wash away with the breeze’. The vocals and lyrics on this album delivering an uplifting message to the listener, full of hope and determination – far removed from the often dark messages on Jack’s previous album 2022’s ‘The Hammer Falls’. ‘Hold on to each other … tomorrow will come sooner.’ Time for one final sweet and soulful Hutchinson solo, preceding the final vocal refrain during which I can imagine the darkness will be illuminated by mobile phone torches in future gigs as the audience sings along in unison ‘I beg you to Stay With Me’ – the perfect way to end an album which in this reviewer’s opinion is the best body of work that Jack Hutchinson has produced thus far.
Constellations – a group of stars. No star shines brighter than Jack J Hutchinson on this album. An album which is sure to gain Jack the recognition he so richly deserves.
Catch Jack on the Battles launch tour with his touring band featuring Phil Wilson on drums and Charlie Rachael Kay on bass. The tour kicks off February 8th at the O2 Academy in London.
Defy Jack’s march to victory at your peril.
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