Deathcryptopia, The Fifth, Rich Kid Express, The Swansons, Swanee

ALBUM REVIEWS

Furyous Deathcryptopia 1936529 Records DK

Review by Ken Morton

And the dark legacy of the vastly underrated Willow Wisp continues, with various members pursuing their auditory artistry to even more cosmic proportions. Former Willow Wisp front man Air-Ik has unleashed Deathcryptopia upon an unsuspecting world, and what a mass of pure sonic devastation this one is! A conceptual project combining aspects of Black Metal and Hard Rock, Deathcrytopia has presented Furyous, the second single from their upcoming The Demon Quadrilogy Part 1 manifesto.

Along with Air-Ik as music composer and performer, Deathcryptopia partners in crime include The Garrgoyle (lyricist and composer) and fellow Willow Wisp co-hort Glenn Lee Alan Davis (aka GLAD – also of KOFN Underground infamy) who recorded and produced the single at The Funeral Parlor. With a passion for extreme metal, dynamic storytelling, and comic book art, Deathcryptopia is sure to inspire all types of music fans ready to take a ride into battle with The Demon Quadrilogy.

https://www.facebook.com/Deathcryptopia

unveiling a mesmerizing power ballad while Coming To Get You rocks your world with its sheer animal magnetism. “I’m a wild child looking for trouble,” the dynamic Cathey sings with fiendish delight on the glorious final cut Roll The Bones.

In addition to Cathey’s top notch vocals, The Fifth’s massively tight and intensive lineup includes guitarist Justin Womble, bassist Jake Tripp and drummer Gary “Zeus” Smith. This is one helluva rocking good time, short yet very sweet, and destined to spin on repeat for the rest of 2021 and beyond.

https://www.facebook.com/thefifthmusic

Cold Hearted Rich Kid Express Squib Kick Records

Review by Ken Morton

Fans of hard rock, punk, and sleaze need to hop on board the Rich Kid Express and prepare for a raging ride of a lifetime! Imagine the Ratt-train crashing into Iggy Pop-mobile, and you are only beginning to envision the delicious sonic wickedness Rich Kid Express has in store for you. Fronted by mastermind Rob Richardson, Rich Kid Express has just unleashed a blistering hot new single entitled Cold Hearted – and what a gem this one is.

The Fifth The Fifth Weapon / Vanity Music

Review by Ken Morton

North Carolina hard rockers The Fifth has returned with a new lineup, presenting what is easily one of the very best EP’s of the year. Featuring founding member Roy Cathey from Cold Sweat and SteelCity, the five tracks found within The Fifth’s Self-Titled EP are instantly memorable and leave you craving a whole lot more. Cathey is definitely one of the most epically underrated rock vocalists on the planet, and he delivers the goods tenfold within the ranks of The Fifth.

Opening track Shake Little Sister should be all over the worldwide rock radio airwaves, it’s wickedly infectious melodies and seething vocals driving this one into the stratosphere. Calm Before The Storm is a brilliant mid-tempo tune that absolutely tantalizes the senses. Home shows The Fifth Along with its rip-roaring B-side Ride The Sky, the two songs contained within unveil the next great chapter within the powerhouse Rich Kid Express. These are two solid tracks to be sure and are well worth seeking out. Can’t wait to hear a whole lot more from Rich Kid Express in the months ahead. One listen and you’ll be taking this rock and roll ride again and again…

https://www.squibkickrecords.com/

Pushed To The Edge The Swansons Golden Goose Entertainment

Review by Ken Morton

Pushed To The Edge is the latest and greatest single from The Swansons – and it’s probably the most infectious song this reviewer has ever heard about freedom and unrest in America. For within the sweet country pop melody is a commentary on the political turmoil of today – and no matter what side of the fence you stand on – there is a whole lot of thought, depth, and inspiration to be found within

Pushed To The Edge. With a video that was filmed on the iconic grounds of the Griffith Park Observatory, the pride and joy of being an American is experienced tenfold with both music and visuals – two mediums The Swansons have thoroughly mastered. Pushed To The Edge is a testament to the turbulent times we live in. This is indeed a protest song from Swansonville USA and presented is the crucial recognition that we all need to unite and love one another.

Pushed To The Edge is certainly The Swansons in their finest hour, showing that music can truly make an impact when times are tough. The massively talented husband-and-wife team of Joe and Angie Finley once again prove why The Swansons is a timeless award-winning band ready for the big leagues..

https://theswansonsmusic.com

Greatest Hits Swanee MR Records

Review by Ken Morton

In the vast music scene of Australia, John Swan – better known as Swanee – is a national treasure – an absolute legend in the melodic rock field whose brilliant career and chart-topping singles have left a decided impact down under. Not as well known here in the States, MR Records has presented a Swanee Greatest Hits compilation that serves as a thrilling introduction to a legacy that spans several decades. 20 dynamic songs, originals and covers – certainly an all-encompassing selection of tunes that melodic rock fans must have in their music collections.

From the grand and glorious rocking introduction of Tough At The Top, Swanee takes you into his amazing world of melodic rock. Fan favorites such as Crazy Dreams, Temporary Heartache, and Lady What’s Your Name are brought to ultra-vivid life for multi-generations to enjoy. Have A Little Faith is another highlight, showing how persuasive Swanee is when it comes to a country rock ditty. Covers such as Fooled Around And Fell In Love and Hold Your Head Up are superbly imaginative as interpreted by the one and only Swanee.

Be sure to listen to the very end for the sweeping and emotional Here’s To You, a grand finale leaving a definitive impression on long time fans and admirers yet to arrive. Thanks to the vibrant Swanee and MR Records for introducing his music to the world once more!

www.melodicrockrecords.com

MOTHERLODE’S – FINGERPAINT Classic rock at it’s best!!!

Available Now On

www.mrrecords.com.au

HIGHWIRE DAZE October/November 2021 61