The USA has not spawned many retro rockers in the past, they seem content with re-forming dodgy bands from the 1980’s. However, Delaware’s Mainline Riders have a few things to get off their chest with this sophomore album, immediately it becomes apparent – their love of Bon Scot era AC/DC. Now this is great for me, I have always adored this era music more than the Brian Johnson era even if the latter is from my neck of the woods.
‘Hell Ain’t a Good Place to Be’ is quite close to the mark of that famous AC/DC track, in fact the chord progression on ‘It All Ends Tonight’ and ‘Throwin’ Bones to the Wolves’ is very much a ‘Dirty Deeds’ or ‘High Voltage’ affair. The vocals of Shawn Edward Browning is something that I thought I would never hear again, Mr Scott had a unique swagger and voice; whilst I have not seen Shawn’s swagger, the vocals are pretty much a tribute to the great Aussie legend even if some of the lyrics have a leaning towards their faith, as does the albums thanks list. That said, there is a little hiccup with ‘Comin’ Home’, no it’s not Danger Danger, but it’s a ballad track if you want to pigeon hole the sound… ha, there is a slight Ted Poley vocal sound too! It’s not a bad track; it just kills the flow of the album. ‘Broken Hearted’….”done dirt cheap”. Yes you could almost sing this to the intro; the boys are back in business. Taking their blues ripping solos to the max and a constant 4/4-drum beat keeping things on track. I am smiling from ear to ear when I hear this one, its just got that classic hard rock feel that simply gets in your bones and takes control of your head and feet and gets them nodding and tapping respectively. For the younger bands out there, this is how to make a classic rock album, simplicity with strong arrangements. For the seasoned metal heads out there, there is a huge sense of nostalgia with the chance that bucket loads of memories will come flooding back.
‘Worldshaker;’ well it beats ‘Ballbreaker’ in my book. Many bands have tried to recreate the sounds of AC/DC and similar bands, lots have failed, not withstanding Kix of course, but this band are laying down their own stance on the proceedings. Mainline Riders have their sound nailed firmly in the classic rock camp. Ok I may have heard this over 25 years ago, but this is quality music that is full of life and fun with down to earth goodness. Buy this please; it would be a shame for you to let this band and album pass you by, although it is worrying when the band are now looking for a new singer (No!!!!!), bassist and drummer – sods law or what! A definite for fans of AC/DC, Kix, Hanoi Rocks and good quality classic rock in general. Ten out of ten for effort, and full marks across the board for releasing a good time hard rock album the way they used to be.
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http://www.mainlineriders.com
http://www.retrospectiverecords.ne
