ALBUM REVIEW: SARAH McLEOD – Rocky’s Diner

Shane | 17 November 2017 | Reply

ALBUM REVIEW: SARAH McLEOD – Rocky’s Diner
Kobalt
August 2017
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
9/10

Sarah McLeod steps out of the shadow of The Superjesus and comes into her own on this vibrant and excellent self-produced solo album.

Her first solo rock record in twelve years, Rocky’s Diner sounds great, and has the magic ingredient that makes it work: great songs. Catchy songs. Songs that rock.

But where Superjesus’s pub rockers had a tendency to be a bit too same-same sounding from track to track, McLeod really blossoms here with an eclectic mix of engaging songs, highlighted by some clever production and a willingness to explore.

Bad Valentine and No-One Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye are redolent with ‘50s girl group sass and harmonies; Wild Heart and Black Sheep both sound very autobiographical and the former in particular is wonderfully evocative storytelling; and the title track – and it’s quirkily-placed-as-album-opener reprise are ‘50s rock and roll homages complete with lyrical reference to Elvis’s Heartbreak Hotel.

The more you spin this, the more you’ll want to, and it will keep rewarding the listener with lyrics and melodies which wrap themselves familiarly around you. Simply great.

Click HERE to read our interview with Sarah about the album and launch tour