The February 2020 release makes me feel like an insider having already lived with this album for a few weeks now a good 120 days before the release that has already been preceded by their new single ‘Mr. Big Shot’ which opens things here – it’s got the groove, got the riff and the guitar and it also has one of those melodies that you can’t shake loose.It’s the best possible way to start what is likely to be one of the best albums you’ll hear to kick off the new decade in style.
Collateral are a band that has a lot of expectations on their shoulders after some big shows in 2019 – notably at The Camden Rocks Festival and Ramblin’ Man Fair, and a rather promising ‘4 Shots’ EP. That, though, it seems was only a taster as the band consisting of Angelo Tristan (lead vocals, guitar), Todd Winger (guitar), Jack Bentley-Smith (bass) and Ben Atkinson (drums) now pull out the big guns.
The 80’s styled ‘Promised Land’ that follows that opener is equally impressive as its the Southern-styled ‘Merry-Go-Round’ and if an opening like that isn’t impressive enough there’s plenty more to come. The only real question I had on first listen was could they sustain that opening burst?
‘In It For Love’ answers that with certainty – it’s a great melodic rocker with a huge refrain, and is ably backed up by the even rockier ‘Lullaby’ which soars to a huge early Bon-Jovi-style chorus. This really is great stuff.
The only track from the EP that makes the album is of course the single ‘Midnight Queen’ which takes you through that Country terrain that you’ll either love, hate or maybe if you’re like me, can just about put up with if the song is good enough. And even if you find it a little light, again there’s that cool solo and a more than addictive sing-along chorus. For me it’s the weakest song here and surely that’s only a good sign of things to come.
‘Get Back To You’ takes us right back on track, it starts out emotionally with a searching guitar fading as the vocal kicks in and the song gathers pace, it might just be the most beautiful and mature composition here: the song you used to wave your lighters in the air too back in the day.
‘Won’t Stop Me Dreaming’ ups the pace and the guitar and lets it all hang out, whilst as contract closer ‘About This Boy’ returns to that country vibe but has the light melodic feel of Rick Springfield to it and the storytelling tradition of say a Mellencamp or latter-day Mike Tramp. Put those hands together and welcome Collateral, this sounds like a world class debut to me.
