SUNSET RIOT
UPRISING EP
Released February 2012
By Will Hollands
After releasing a magnificent EP in 2010 and touring non-stop last year, Sunset Riot is back with their latest studio effort “Uprising.” With a more matured sound and a greatly evolved band since the last record, I was eagerly awaiting this 6 track EP and they definitely didn’t disappoint! With world renowned producer Mark Opitz onboard as well as stellar artwork from Joshua Marc, what’s not to get excited about from these hardworking Aussie boys?
“Uprising” kicks off with the opening track ‘Red Ferrari’ which has a killer and hard rocking riff blasting from my stereo from first listen. With a catchy chorus and powerful vocals from Del Rio, ‘Red Ferrari’ is one of my favourite Sunset Riot tracks.
Up next is ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ which is another top notch track, with excellent backing vocals which really lift the song to another level. With bluesy grooves and a superb melody, this is a song which you will continue to come back to in future listens.
“Red Leather” may be familiar to many fans of the band who may have heard “Sunset Riot” live if they have caught these energetic guys around the world at a show. Many of the old school fans would remember this song from 2009’s “Take a bite” EP. Having owned “Take a bite,” I wasn’t sure what to expect from hearing one of the boys older songs re-released but I was blown away by the outcome. With amazing vocals, huge guitars and pounding drums from the ‘Resh Train’ this track will be a favourite for listeners of “Uprising.”
“Save me from L.A.” is a deep song with many lyrics about life on the road, life’s ups and downs and the struggle of life. This band definitely don’t lack inspiration in their song writing and it’s fair to say definitely have the experience to pull off a song with lyrics like this from spending a hot US summer together in an RV for an extended period of time, showing America what Aussie rock and roll is all about! Equipped with a Ziggy Scott riff on rhythm guitar this song will please long time fans or first time listeners of ‘Sunset Riot.’
“Stir Crazy” offers the listener another side of these guys. With a more stripped down approach and a slower tempo, this track gives us an inside into the softer side of “Sunset riot.” With absolutely phenomenal guitars from JP and Ziggy, ‘Stir Crazy’ would offer as a great single in the future. Not only that, but this track provides my favourite solo from Josh who really doesn’t hold anything back in his heartfelt and melodic approach to lead guitar playing.
The final track: ‘Mama said’ really gets my foot stomping with smashing drums, and amazing rhythm guitar from Ziggy Scott. It hits the listener hard with another strong, catchy riff melded together with some cool bluesy licks and wah guitar which leaves you craving more.
“Sunset Riot” is a band that will never go away in the music industry. With one of the best vocalists in Australian rock in Del Rio, thundering drums from Resh in which any young drummer could learn a thing or two from and absolutely fantastic, huge sounding guitars from Ziggy and JP, this is definitely a band to check out. “Uprising” is the EP I have always wanted to hear from an artist: Catchy choruses, foot pounding songs, killer riffs and melodies that sound a million dollars. The highlights for me on this record are the amazing solos which are reminiscent of Slash or even blues based artists like Jeff Beck at times, the amazing vocals and of course the riffs. This is a must get record for any lover of rock, and I predict big things in the future for Sydney’s ‘Sunset Riot.’
Sunset Riot facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/#!/sunsetriot
Sunset Riot’s official website
http://www.sunsetriot.com
Sunset Riot’s Reverbnation
http://www.reverbnation.com/sunsetriot
Rattlesnake video clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMQGRhrA9W8
Sunset Riot mini concert in the USA! (As mentioned by JP in the interview)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9tAEbBWay4