Yet another impressive album release by the kingpins of the Blackpool & Fylde coast rock scene who have made the transition from their early punk leanings into the hard rock and metal arena.
The ‘Outsiders’ opening title track sets the scene as the band throws down their gauntlet with a locked and loaded killer guitar riff underscored with the song’s battle cry chorus ‘Outsiders Ain’t Comin In’ from the distinctive vocal chords of front man & bassist Joey Class.
The ‘Outsiders’ opening salvo makes a serious statement of intent by the band that they don’t fit in and they inhabit the margins of society, something that will resonate strongly with all rockers and lovers of this music who share these same sentiments. It somehow reminds me of when Jim Morrison mentions about being “Out here in the perimeter”.
There is almost a gladiatorial element that defines this heavy guitar driven rock music as all the combatants endeavour to make the crowd give the biggest roar in appreciation also with the hope of surviving the performance for a return booking at their local rock coliseum. Hopefully no blood was spilt making this album and putting comparisons with ancient Rome aside The ‘Outsiders’ video and album’s Western influenced imagery seems to cast the band into gunslinger terrain confirming my suspicions that there are hidden strains of ‘outlaw country’ lurking within the soft underbelly of this band.
“Who We Are” is classic Senton Bombs full tilt ‘rock me like my back ain’t got no bone’ rock & roll, a skull crushing experience guaranteed to wake the dead with strident bass & drum combination that sounds like an express train about to crash through the gates of hell, whilst “Violet Black” which follows continues at break neck speed into the bowels of hades with some fret sizzling lead guitar breaks, and just when you thought it couldn’t be any faster or more intense “I Am Ablaze” (and who wouldn’t be as this point) simply explodes into a total fireball crescendo which concludes a trio of supersonic head bangers heaven songs which few of us could survive without high quality neck braces and painkillers currently unavailable over the counter.
“Reckless Youth” is a medium pace rocker followed by the anthemic “Bury The Hatchet” which has a great late 1950’s early 1960’s guitar sound, a theme that is reflected again the more mellow almost sentimental “Remind Me Of The Moon” which is one of the albums outstanding tracks and showcases a different dimension to Joey Class’s vocal talents.
“Dead Revoltion” finds the band at warp factor five with another slice of take no prisoners rock & roll that is the Senton Bombs hallmark. “Video” has a charm all of it’s own and appears to recount the nostalgia of video games and is perhaps one of the most radio friendly commercial tracks.
“Under Offer” breaks the mold again as the band moves into new territory with a moody bluesy retro rocker that even Elvis could have once wailed. A nice mention in the song for Ricky Nelson too, old rock & rollers can never die if they get a name check in a Senton Bombs song!
“Wake The Maker” is another smash and grab rock till you drop opus with an infectious riff and chorus and is the album’s final rip roaring offering bringing to a final climax another fine album of well crafted songs superbly produced by Ronnie Bomb the bands long-time producer and associate.
The drum work by skin thumper Scott Mason is rock solid and creates the mainframe for the bass and six stringers Damien Kage & Johnny Gibbons to weave their magic strings around. Joey’s vocals are as strong as ever and further plaudits are due as he bravely steps away from his usual vocal timbre in several songs and delivers some slightly more mellow tones, which for me personally are some of the albums highlights.
To quote a line from the opening song ‘Outsiders’ “Freedom for the few who can’t conform” is exactly what can be found in the music on this album, which is why it is such compulsive listening!
Lucas Campbell
The Rock of Ages Radio Show
Lucas Campbell Music & Memories 