STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 128827-19487 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album ITEMS: 1
Reviewed by Elliot Rose
Fresh out of the south-east, 'Bullet Proof' is Thorntree's debut album, featuring 11 hard hitting self-penned rock anthems. Packed with rich guitar riffing, deep bass lines and heavy drumming right from the start, the Eastbourne-based four piece boast an authentic modern rock experience while maintaining a vintage vibe throughout. The unusual time signatures in "Blue Skies Turn Grey" produce an unfamiliar sound, while the guitar tremolo adds a '50s rock 'n' roll timbre giving a wonderfully nostalgic feeling. The ZZ Top-esque tones and Hendrix-style blues riffs are something of a masterpiece, occasionally slipping more towards the AC/DC and Iron Maiden end of the scale (particularly on "Everything I Need"). Not every track is for the mosh pit though, one of my favourites is the more soulful "Paradise", the soft synth/organ underlay, thick bass and harmonised backing vocals produce a warm quality in this heartfelt ballad. All in all, a nod to the great rock legends while presenting an edgy and fresh musical experience. One of the best independent albums I've heard all year.
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