Hardball - Dirty EP (2018)

Genre - Hard Rock / Garage Rock

Label - Self Released

Track listing:

01 - Dirty

02 - Ballad Of John Fox

03 - Closed For Inventory

Earlier this month I was given the opportunity to take a sneaky listen of the then unmixed debut single, 'Dirty', from new UK rockers Hardball, and was suitably impressed with what I heard. Now hot on the tails the band deliver the mixed debut EP, and what an interesting little beauty it is too!
This debut EP delivers three totally different tracks, 'Dirty' the solid hard rocker of a track that is very much in the vein of Wolfsbane and The Almighty. The next track, 'Ballad Of John Fox', is a completely different monster. A slower dare I say trippyer type of track with a more Indy rock feel, Ala REM or some of the The Wildhearts more trippy moments such as Dreaming In A. 'Ballad Of John Fox is a real gem of a song that truly showcases this new bands versatility as song writers and musicians. Excellent. 
The third and final song is 'Closed For Inventory', a real groover of a track, again showcasing another side to the bands song writing talents.
Considering the fact that the guys that the guys had the courage to record the song live in White Wolf Recording Studios under the guidance of Ian Thompson, this debut EP shows a great deal of promise, and will serve the band well as a sort of demo / taster. Personally I cant wait for the full length album!

Rating: 9/10

Check the guys out for yourself here on the bands Soundcloud page.

Hardball - Dirty (2018) (Single)

Genre - Hard Rock / Garage Rock 

Label - Self Released

Track listing:

01 - Dirty

So I have recently been given the opportunity to hear the debut unmixed single from a new project called Hardball featuring the talents of Hung Like Jack drummer Denz 'Gareth' Westgarth with Tim Smith, guitar and vocals, Phil Balles, guitar and bassist Neil MacGillvray. Now to be fair I have to admit to not knowing a great deal about the new project, but I figured that if it featured Denz within its line up is was bound to be a rockin' band, and upon listening to the unmixed single, 'Dirty', my guess was happily reaffirmed.

The song opens with single guitar riff before bursting into life as a full blown rocker. The song seems to show case a more hard rock / garage rock sound than Denz's previous outfit, Hung Like Jack, whom seemed to incorporate a more punk rock edge to their music. To be fair I love 'Dirty', and can't wait to hear a fully mastered EP or album from the guys, as this track shows so much promise. Imagine a tighter, more polished version of Wolfsbane if you will. I bloody love it, especially upon finding out that the guys had the courage to record the song live in White Wolf Recording Studios under the guidance of Ian Thompson.

A great song that shows a great deal of promise from a brand new outfit!

Rating: 9/10

Check these guys out!!!!!

Hung Like Jack - Life's First Sign Of Rage (Single) (2015)

 

Genre - Hard Rock / Metal / Punk

Label - Self Released

 

Track listing:

 

01 - Life's First Sign Of Rage

02 - Fire Beneath Me

Hung Like Jack return next month with a two track signal that's set to be the soundtrack to your summer with Life's First Sign Of Rage!
Two blistering tracks that manage to combine the bands hard rock, metal and punk influences perfectly. There is enough angst and energy contained within these two tracks to satisfy any one, all the while tempered with the bands acute sense of melody.
The single's / EP's title track burst into life from the on set with a gang chant and great melodic riff.
The guitars and bass line really driving the song along, yet restraining themselves enough to allow the songs melody and vocals to take centre stage. A great song that I can see becoming very popular with the bands fans. Love the break downs too, heavy riffy monsters!
The EP's / singles other track, Fire Beneath Me (the b-side in the good old days!) is another monster of a track. This song has more punk leanings to it, yet is still undeniably Hung Like Jack. Again the guitars really drive this song along, it also has plenty of chanting and some great lyrics. I can really see this one becoming a firm live favourite has it just about has everything.
If these two new tracks are anything to go by then I cant wait to hear a bloody album from these guys, its long over due!
You really do owe to yourselves to check these guys out, think Supercharger / Whatever mixed with The Jelly's and Wildhearts.

Very Highly Recommended.


Rating - 10/10

The single is launched live at The Railway Tavern (Darlington) on Friday May 22nd.

 Find out more here