Review by Phil Rozier for MPM
Released on June 12th this year, Rachel Bolan has created his first solo record. Under the cleverly thought through name, BOLAN, the 4-decade Skid Row’er see’s Mr Bolan play through 11 tracks of punk, grit, grime and even a little 80’s power rock. He’s not alone either. Accompanied by Skid Row band mates, and such voices as Corey Taylor (Slipknot amongst other solo efforts!), the album promises to be a lot of fun.
With 3 awesome tracks already released (see Metal Planet Music for the single reviews), the track opens with punk belter ‘Anything but You’. Instantly, the track ‘sounds like’ low slung guitars, torn tight jeans, I’d image some leather wouldn’t be too far away. With banging drums, and a chorus of backing vocals, it’s a proper solid punk rock track.
‘At War with Myself’ is track two. Previously reviewed on MPM, I won’t spoil the fun too much. But, the alter ego that is Danko Jones on accompanying vocals, allows for the back and forth of anger, spite, confidence and fun. I don’t usually like to read too much into the personal lyrics of songwriters, as quite often it’s a second guess of what the topic is (who knew that Guns n Roses Mr Brownstown was about drugs?! Really!?). But, the title of this track would suggest that there’s some inner demons at play. Those demons, everyone’s got ‘em, and they can inspire great things. This track is testament to that fact.
‘Memory’ see’s Bolan return to his solo efforts, and this is a pretty fast paced, under 3 minute track. Fun, pacey and punchy. What’s not to like.
‘See You on the Other Side’ see’s Bolan and Snake Sabo reunite. After 40 years together, this track just plays out like it should. Easy going, a perfect combination of rock, roll, and dare I say it, a touch of The Almighty in its sound. Very Ricky Warrick is what it conjures up in my head.
The next 4 minutes features Steve Conti. Sounding very classic 80’s rock, almost ballad like, Steve’s soundtrack pedigree along with his own band, the Steve Conti NYC band, is present throughout the track. Think a scantily glad montage from the TV series Baywatch, and you’ll be bang on the money.
We’re already on track 6. And I don’t mind that. Meaning, a good album to me is normally punchy, full of punk swagger and over before you’ve had your second cup of Earl Grey. With ‘quite good on guitar’ legend that is Nuno Bettencourt contributing, you know you’re going to get a solid sounding rocker of a track, with some added widdly guitar flare. Done.
‘Big Stick’ has Corey Taylor helping. It’s probably one of the most punk tracks on the album. Meaning, it’s less structured and more shouty angst to create the attitudinal chorus sing along. Bring your tartan trousers and let rip to ‘Big Stick’.
Track 8 see’s Bolan go it alone for ‘Pretty Hell’. I wonder if it really is? Has he been there? If he has, then this track doesn’t paint the worst of pictures. Less ‘huge evil goatlike creature that causes eternal torture’ and more ‘dancing pop rock swagger’. If that’s where we’re all going, then I’ll bring my guitar.
Here’s one for you. Over the last few years, I’ve become a fan of Oasis. As one of the last true rock n roll bands, they’ve done some belting tracks. Bear with me rock fans. Have you heard ‘Morning Glory’ or ‘Cigarettes and Alcohol’? Image the gain being a touch higher and sung with some extra ‘less hands behind your back attitude’ and they’d be totally banging. Anyway, what’s this got to do with Bolan and the team behind this latest album? Well, rather surprising, or perhaps not so, Rachel and Scotti Hill have recorded a raucous version of Oasis’s ‘Rock n Roll Star’. They’ve combined New Jersey punk, with British 90’s indie attitude. Pretty cool.
We’re into the final couple of tracks now. With just over 5 mins left on the clock, both tracks are more of the familiar craft. Short. Fast. Fun. Think Skid Row (obvs), but combine it with The Almighty, a touch of Wednesday 13, and of course, oddly, you have to throw some Oasis in now as well. In fact, track 12, featuring Damon Johnson, should be sung by the Gallagher brothers.
Anyway, as the last song tells me to do, I’m about to ‘Walk Away’ from this amazing punk rock menace of an album. It’s right up my street and I’d image any subsequent UK tour would be welcomed with open arms. Put a set list together with the majority of these tracks and throw in some Skid Row classics and you’d have a perfect night out.
Rachel Bolan online:
