Bonnie Brae, Derek Davis, Madman’s Lullaby, The Swansons

ALBUM REVIEWS

The Way EP Bonnie Brae Self-released

Review by Ken Morton

If Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin shared a night to remember, the resulting offspring would be Bonnie Brae! The down and dirty songs found within The Way EP are sludgy hard rock that tantalizes the senses! Commencing with the scorching World On Fire, the band then blasts into the blistering reveries of Slut with it’s wickedly infectious “you spread your love all over town” chorus. OFF oozes rude girl punk rock attitude gone wild with its “I might be going to hell but I don’t miss you” inflections. Dirty Love Song reverberates with sensual lyrics and pulsating melodies setting the imagination in flight. And then closing out the EP is the intensive madness of band moniker Bonnie Brae, and it is a breathtakingly fierce grand finale! Bonnie Brae is presented by Gwendolyn Casella on lead vocals, David Coltrane Levin on guitar, Derby on bass, and Scottie Carneghi on drums., Y’all should come down Bonnie Brae Way for a hard rockin’ good time!

https://bonniebraeband.com/ Nocturnal Overdrive Part 2 Madman’s Lullaby MR Records

Review by Ken Morton

Nocturnal Overdrive Part 2 has arrived, and Madman’s Lullaby reach even greater stratospheric heights. The five selections contained within are absolutely epic, destined to captivate fans of the Foo Fighters, Queensryche and beyond. From the opening refrains of the supersonic Thick and Thin, Madman’s Lullaby unleash tapestries of sheer artistry that are vibrantly intriguing. Each and every performance on Nocturnal Overdrive Part 2 is overflowing with passion and imagination, featuring the participation of Chris Michaels on lead vocals. Mr. Brett on lead guitar, Luis Barillas on bass, and Eric Arbizu on drums. Inside Out, Falling, Tell Me I’m Right, Ask For Nothing - the bangers just keep on arriving and the intensity and brilliance will remain in your head long after the disc spins to it’s thrilling conclusion. Nocturnal Overdrive Part 2 by Madman’s Lullaby is an all triumph - and like it’s predecessor - the EP will easily wind up the Highwire Daze Top 10 of the year when all is said and done for 2022.

https://www.mmlrocks.com/

What Is Up Is Down Derek Davis Apocalypse Records

Review by Ken Morton

Derek Davis is best known as the frontman for the hard rocking Babylon A.D. His solo output is even more compelling, including his latest single What Is Up Is Down, now available worldwide via Apocalypse Records. The subject is cancel culture in this modern age, rendering a scathing social commentary as “the world goes round and round.” Done in the bluesy style of his solo work with a dash of the smooth grooves of Marvin Gaye, Derek Davis pulls absolutely no punches with this one - and the results are both lyrically devastating and sonically rewarding. There is no common ground with the great divide in the world of today, and What Is Up Is Down is the perfect documentation of society’s sorry state of affairs. This song should be all over the radio airwaves, because music is the universal language and it’s one Derek Davis speaks with a persuasive amount of passion and conviction. Here’s hoping we hear a lot more from Derek Davis in 2022 and beyond!

https://derekdavismusic.com/ Amazing Love The Swansons Golden Goose Entertainment

Review by Ken Morton

Amazing Love is the perfect title for The Swansons’ upcoming album - they not only possess an amazing love for one another but also for their artistry. A husband-and-wife country pop alternative duo, The Swansons now present the next glorious chapter of their musical journey, and the 12 songs found within the realm of Amazing Love are blissful and inspiring. We All Fall Down has hit single potential written all over it while Take My Chances oozes playful bluegrass vibes that are absolutely endearing. Don’t Lead Me On is introspective and vulnerable, delivered with so much passion and commitment. A Little Breakdown adds a bit of blues to the proceedings and is an infinite highlight. The title track exudes a heartfelt liberation from the darkness of this world. Fervent Fire is beautiful hymn of worship and praise while the rollicking Voices is an all out celebration of life and perseverance. Joe and Angie Finley have delivered a dozen wonderful reasons to check into Amazing Love. One of the most inspirational and uplifting albums of 2022!

https://theswansonsmusic.com/