This is 13 tracks of no nonsense NWoCR, so much so that after the opening bars of ‘Demon’ it will have you thinking “where have I heard that rhythm before” during the chorus. It took me a while but then I got it: ‘Joker and the Thief’ by Wolfmother, not the guitar or instrumentation just the rhythm. Otherwise, the track is a belter, and should be the next release.
The vocal range and style of John Drake are inexcusably similar to that of Robert Plant in the upper register; it’s a good style that he carries well throughout the album to good effect. The gruff gritty style suits the band and is well supported by the guitars and other instruments.
Having already released three tracks to promote the album (‘Limbo Man’, ‘Breakdown’ and our recent #VideoOfTheWeek, ‘Jimmy 2 Times’), you wonder where the next “single” is coming from; however, it doesn’t take long to cause confusion in your choice. Should it be the “Wolfmother” track ‘Demon’, or the softer ‘Dream Alight’ or six-minute banger ‘Rolling’ which has a softer Gn’R feel to it at the start before reaching the breakdown and a great solo from what I assume to be Adam Mackie as Drake is extolling his vocal prowess at the same time.
‘Bourbon Pouring’ has a bit of a ‘Phonics soft rock feel to it with a nice guitar soft riff, and Drake sounds a bit like Kelly Jones too: possibly my favourite track on the album. ‘I’ve been waiting is kicked off by a thumping bass line and drum section before Drake stretches himself to another Plant-like vocal performance into the bass/drum driven breakdown. ‘She’s Gone is a bit more upbeat but still a good track similar in style to the rest of the album.
‘They Don’t Know Rock n Roll; is a bit of a barbed dig at the media lyrically, but is a good blues-based, toe-tapping rock n roll track. ‘Best Believe It’ and ‘It’s A Jam’ round off the album in similar style to the rest. The mixing is very good with all the individual musicians given their time in the sunlight with a beautifully clean mix and no bleeding or muddiness in the sound.
A great album. I can’t wait to see them live if they get to South East Wales at all. In the meantime, get out and enjoy that ‘Mojo Skyline’.
- ‘Mojo Skyline’ is released on 26 March. You can get your copy, and loads of other The Dust Coda goodies, HERE.
- The Dust Coda are due to play The Ramblin’ Man Fair at Mote Park in Maidstone on Saturday 17 July.
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