Jono Moulds checks out the self-titled debut album from Melbourne based Shotgun Mistress.Out now via Crusader Records.
OK, here we go, my first time checking out Aussie band ‘Shotgun Mistress’ self-titled debut album, and also, my debut writing a review, so here it goes.
Shotgun Mistress was formed by Matt Wilcock (The BERZERKER, AKERCOCKE, ABRAMELIN), an internationally renowned death-metal demon guitarist best known for playing at light speeds. He hooked up with “Diamond” David Lee on drums to jam out LA strip-era rock. Ben Curnow (EARTH) joined on bass along with vocalist Glenn Patrick (of Collegians, featuring members of Pseudo Echo and INVERTIGO).
Their debut album consists of 13 tracks, and on first ‘spin’ (“is that too old school?? – works for me though ) this is pretty relentless stuff, that doesn’t stop for too many breathers along the way.
The album kicks off with a belter – ‘Born and Raised’ which sets the tone for what’s to come, with crunching riffs, supported ably by a solid, punch packed rhythm section.
Before you get any time to catch your breath, you are straight into ‘Devil in Disguise’, which again, is full of ‘thick riffage’ (not sure if that’s an actual word, but hey!!). Am I hearing some ‘Crüe’ in there?? If I am, can’t be a bad thing.
The pace doesn’t stop, as we are ‘driven’ through ‘Bleed me out’ quickly into ‘No Friend of Mine’ (Tip of the hat to Velvet Revolver here?? Check it out, see what you think), with its catchy chorus and top vocals, before we ‘crash’ into ‘Collide’.
Sirens greet us at the start of ‘Natural Disaster’, with some top-drawer guitar work on show here.
‘Save me from Myself’ opens with another clever riff, before some great support vocals enter the bridge section (BTW – Backing vocals throughout this album put some serious value add into each tune – Excellento!!)
There’s simply no respite as ‘Glorious Machine’ starts off with a bass/drum combo, before it all ‘cranks’ into gear once again, as that heavy/thick guitar tone overtakes.
‘Pretty Little Thing’ is up next that has a ‘rolling vocal’ that even makes me feel the need to reach out for some oxygen to support my breathing, and I’m just listening to it!!! Damn, that’s some vocal juggling right there.
‘Analyse’ (on first listen) is my fav track so far. Love how the catchy bridge leads into a rumble of a chorus, that just works for me. Boom!!!
And so, we head into the final straight, with ‘Grave Mistake’, which opens with a classic vocal roar, before we head into more (of the same) thunderous tuneage.
‘Technicolour Faded’ for me, is the track that almost encapsulates the vibe of the whole album in one song. Powerful guitar, catchy with vocal mastery thrown in for good measure.
The album ends with ‘May she never walk Alone’, which starts off with an acoustic build up (yes, acoustic!!). The first slow(ish) track of the album (C’mon, these guys deserve a break after the first dozen), but it doesn’t take too long before the band breaks into that heavy sound again!!! Top Tune this.
And there we have it. In a nutshell, Shotgun Mistress have released a ‘classic rock’ debut album that is full of songs that pull no punches. It’s constantly in your face, from start to finish. but also, has enough great musicianship and vocal performance that each song has some great moments.
Review by Jono Moulds
Album available from "HERE".
Check out the video for "Bleed Me Out".
Links to Shotgun Mistress :-
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Ceri Davies
Presenter and Co-Director
