Release
date: April 15th 2016. Label: HeviSike Music. Format: DD/Vinyl
Gorilla
vs Grifter – Tracklisting
1.Gorilla
- Both Barrells 03:13
2.Gorilla
- Slay Rider 05:12
3.Gorilla
- Grind Yer Down 03:43
4.Gorilla
- Three Squeeler 03:27
5.Grifter
- Failing Asleep 04:00
6.Grifter
- Hi Waisted 03:48
7.Grifter
- Paige Turner 04:13
8.Grifter
- Me Love 04:28
GORILLA
- Band Members:
Johnny
Gorilla - Guitar and Vocals
Sarah
Jane - Bass.
Ryan
Matthews - Drums.
GRIFTER
– Band Members:
Ollie
- Vocals/Guitar
Phil
- Bass
Foz
- Drums
Review:
Here's
a new split release from HeviSike Records. Their 2nd split
release of bands joining forces. The first one being Mos Generator vs
Stubb. Now we have GORILLA vs GRIFTER.
Two
well respected bands from the UK Hard Rock/Metal scene. Gorilla is
lead by Johnny Gorilla who is also part of lovable rogues – Sir
Admiral Cloudesley Shovell. Grifter are one of the most hard-working
Rock/Blues/Stoner Rock bands the UK has to offer. They've released
some great albums on Ripple Music lately.
Both
bands have teamed up for 32 minutes of old-school style hard
rock/metal. And it's a rebellious wild ride from start to finish.
First we have GORILLA who show their love for all things LEMMY and
MOTORHEAD with blistering speed metal/thrash style rock. Opening
track Both Barrells may owe a few nods to Ace Of Spades And Bomber
but GORILLA have a great charm of their own.
Second
track – Slay Rider – is a proper booze fuelled dirty rock number
with fast riffs and dirty vocals to match. This a band all about
having fun with your pals on a Friday night. Bottle of beer in one
hand, the other hand clenched in Devil's Horns whilst your rocking
out like there's not tomorrow.
The
final two songs from GORILLA carry on the same bombastic style of
Rock/Metal as the opening two tracks but I must admit Grind Yer Down
is stand-out track from GORILLA as they unleash a high amount of
devilish fun. The band create some exciting riffs with punk-based
vocals to match.
That's
GORILLA's play-time over. Now time for GRIFTER.
I
have a lot of love and respect for Grifter. I'm a huge fan of their
albums they've released on Ripple Music. They're a widely respected
band and they've done it on their own terms without flashy gimmicks
or ideas. They're one of the unsung heroes of the UK Hard Rock scene
and it's always great to hear some new riffs by these dedicated
veterans.
Their
side of the split is just as good as GORILLA's. Their music is more
blusier compared to GORILLA's style of rock/metal but is just as
exciting.
Opening
track – Falling Sleep – is a fast-paced number with the band
showing they've haven't lost their touch. Cool riffs and whiskey
soaked vocals give way to a rawer sound that I wasn't expecting from
these guys. The production is very rough compared to previous
Grifter releases but it works in their favour.
If
you're already a fan of Grifter then you know what to expect here.
Good old fashioned classic hard-rock riffs with tales of rebelling
against the system and having fun. You get that vibe on second track
– Paige Turner – which is perhaps the strongest song Grifter have
provided here.
Third
track – Hi Wasted – sees Grifter return to their blues-rock roots
with some superb bluesy moments being the main driving force of the
song. It's a cool song but I wanted a few heavier riffs to appear as
it promises a few heavier moments but sadly doesn't deliver.
Fourth
track – Me Love – is a 70s classic rock sounding number with the
band closing their side of the split with another well-written song.
You can tell the band are having fun here as this song is catchy and
fun as hell.
GORILLA
vs GRIFTER is a superb record from two great bands showing the world
they're still worth giving a damn about. It doesn't offer anything
new or exciting that you haven't heard before though what it does
offer is an exciting ride from two well-respected bands who I hope
are around for a very long time to come.
Excellent
and Highly Recommended.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks
to Grifter and LostKey PR for the promo. GORILLA vs GRIFTER is
available to buy now on Vinyl from HeviSike Records.
GORILLA
Links:
Grifter
Links:
