It seems almost monthly that we get a record to cover with a ‘family connection.’ Last month I tackled little Ms Meatloaf Pearl and we all know about those rather nepotistic Iron Maiden connections that get support slots here and there where other well deserving acts without such privileges don’t. Well the connection here is not going to do the artist any favours as Gentlemen Of Distorted Sound or The G.O.D.S. as they are getting called are led by a singer called Gareth Nugent. Yep it’s not rocket science this is Ted Nugent’s cousin and I have nothing but contempt for that outspoken redneck son of a bitch and have been hoping he got a taste of his own medicine in a hunting accident for ages now (yep I am not holding back on my thoughts). Not that Gareth could really choose his relatives and he grew up in Ireland in a different world than his better known 3rd Cousin but as the biog seems to make big bones of it, it’s rather hard not to mention things. To cut the story short the band developed from 2006 onwards losing original drummer to Uriah Heep but have finally got things together to record this debut EP. Pretty good it is too.
Whether they are actually gentlemen is a point I can’t really comment on but the sound is not exactly distorted either. It does hit hard and lead track Electric is very much a powerhouse anthem that is hard to ignore. We are eased into it until the chorus hits and then it full on rocks out. Perhaps it is due to the song title but I am reminded a bit of The Cult here. I cannot help that and not really complaining as it will go down well live and really get the audience rocking out for its 3.10 minute running time; throw in a guitar lead and some head banging drumming and we are done - perfect. The vocalist has a good voice and range but there is no denying that the rest of the band can smoke it all up too. They are described as sleaze rockers and that comes to the fore on next track ‘Beautiful Face For Evil’ which does just as you expect, slower, dirtier and out for the night coming home with a smile on its face. After a slow ballad that does nothing for me but naturally goes with the territory comes ‘La Grange (Shinin On);’ bit of blues, some vocals reminiscent of Thin Lizzy and a boogie on down mindset, another solid song.
If you like your rock without much cheesy cock this EP is a good one to let your hair down to. Listening I can see this band going down really well with a couple of cold ones at a festival and as I see they are playing Bulldog Bash this year my tip is make sure you rev on up and catch them if you are going.
http://www.myspace.com/gentlemenofdistortedsound
