MUSIC REVIEW: THE AMORETTES – Born To Break
Label: Steamhammer / SPV
Release Date: April 6, 2018
Rating: 8.5/10
Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur
The Amorettes have released a new disc… who am I kidding, I had never heard of them until this disc came out, but I am so glad I know who they are now. This twelve track disc has been in my rotation since its release. Disc opener “Can You Feel The Fire?” gets things rolling with a straight shooting rock and roller with cool chugging riffs, solid bass and drums, and a cool vocal that sounds fresh while recalling a classic rock sound. “Hello And Goodbye” opens up with a laid back groove that keeps the song thumping along at a mellower pace, but the guitars and vocals add depth tot he track, especially when the chorus hits. Title track “Born To Break” is another solid rocker that gets the head banging and foot tapping. The vocals are rich and have a slightly different sound to them on this one, while the rhythm section grinds out and anchors the track with perfection. “Hell Or High Water” has a cool chugging riff rolled into the mix of cymbals, drums, and bass to start the track off and then the band becomes the perfect landscape for the Gill Montgomery’s vocals. This song draws you in and keeps you captive thanks to the strong groove and catchy lyrics. “Easy Tiger” is a punk / pop / rock trifecta that gets the foot tapping and blood pumping from the first note to the last. The drum breakdown and sound in the chorus adds a little depth to the song and disc. “Coming Up The Middle” takes the dial and cranks it up a notch, with vocals that come straight at you, guitars that stand out through the verse and into the chorus, and a killer bass / drum combo in the bottom of the mix.
“Everything I Learned (I Learned From Rock And Roll)” kicks off with some heavy handed drums and solid thumping bass lines from Hannah McKay and Heather McKay respectively, and the when Montgomery’s vocals join the mix, the song seems to take off. The chorus is contagious and gets you singing along. This is one of the catchiest tracks on the disc. “Whatever Gets You Through The Night” comes straight at you and seems to have some pop sensibility wrapped into the vocals and enriches the chorus, while the guitar licks between chorus and verse jumps out at you. The blend of the bass, drums, and guitars are the perfect blend from start to finish. “You Still Got Rock And Roll” is another solid track that leans heavily on Gill’s vocals and guitars while allowing the bass and drums to showcase in the mix. The chorus is fun and has a rock and roll spirit built into it that gets you hooked. “Bat Shit Crazy” starts off as the most different of any track on the disc, but it soon morphs into another track that fits the mold and sound the band has created on this collection. The chorus has cool layered vocals and makes you want to sing along when the band proclaims ‘We’re going Bat Shit Crazy.’ “High On Your Energy” has a cool opening of bass and drums from Hannah and Heather that is soon joined by a fun guitar riff and then vocals that add to the track. Disc closer “I Want It Bad” takes us in a slightly different direction through the verse, but swerves back on track through the chorus and bridge. This is a great way to bring the different tracks, grooves, and vibes together as the disc winds down. Now that these guys are on my radar, it’s time to find their other releases…
Tracklisting: Can You Feel The Fire? – Hello And Goodbye – Everything I Learned (I Learned From Rock And Roll) – Born To Break – Whatever Gets You Through The Night – Hell Or High Water – You Still Got Rock And Roll – Easy Tiger – Bat Shit Crazy – Coming Up The Middle – High On Your Energy – I Want It Bad
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Category: CD Reviews