Burnt Out Wreck: Swallow

It's easy to get lumbered with your past but how can I review the debut album from UK hard rockers Burnt Out Wreck without mentioning that the band's vocalist, bassist, second guitarist and drummer is Gary Moat, the chief songwriter and man behind the kit of 80s Scottish cult melodic rock outfit Heavy Pettin'? With three decades having passed since that band ceased to be, seeing Moat back at all is a surprise, so maybe it should be no shock that this debut album, Swallow, sounds absolutely nothing like his previous outfit. Instead a back to basics, laid back, early AC/DC vibe is mixed with a Krokus like attack and offered the merest hint of something more obviously commercial in some of its choruses. Flanked by lead guitarist Adrian Dunn, the band's sound is rich and full, and as he demonstrates on "She's The One", there's no denying the six-string man has a collection of fret bursting solos in his armoury.

Vocally Moat gives a decent Bon Scott meets Angry Anderson approach an enthusiastic punch, while the songs he's put together all possess catchy choruses, some intentionally questionable lyrics and enough hooks to have you humming along way after they've stopped spinning. The opening track, from which the band take their name, is the stand out cut, a slightly heavier attack than is revealed elsewhere sounding hugely relaxed and natural in a mid paced setting. With "Pullin It Out" (he's always 'stickin' it in', according to Moat, 'she's always pullin' out'…) undoubtedly memorable in the most obvious of ways and "She's A Dirty Lover" adding a bit of bite, while nothing on Swallow is liable to bowl you over, neither does anything leave you cold. Every riff struck and drum cracked does exactly what you expect it to and yet, there's actually something quite refreshing about it all.

Does the world need another band taking its cues from AC/DC? Probably not and yet, when it's done well, there's no denying that this barroom boogie – here delivered with a with a more melodic heart – hits the spot. Not earth shattering, but Burnt Out Wreck know how to rock, they know how to roll and they know a decent song when they hear one. Hopefully Moat won't stay away so long in future.

Track Listing
1. Burnt Out Wreck
2. Swallow
3. She's The One
4. Pulling It Out
5. Talk About Love
6. Medusa
7. Flames
8. She's A Dirty Love
9. Your Love (Is All I Need)
10. Rocking Man
11. Best Of Your Life

Added: June 4th 2017
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Burnt Out Wreck at Facebook
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Language: english

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