Just GREAT.
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A VERY strong debut by the Dave Rude Band. The emphasis being on the word BAND. All too often a band named for it's leader or one fronted by a hot shot guitarist ends up being a 'look at me! look at me!' affair or worst yet an excuse to see how many solos can be crammed into each song. NOT the case with this six song EP. The most impressive thing about this disc are the songs themselves. No overblown, exhausting to listen to 8 minute shread-fests here. Instead you have well crafted SONGS. As performed by a real live band. Not taking away whatsoever from Rude's guitar on the EP - these are guitar dominated tunes after all - but the focus is on the hooks and the melodies. As for the guitar, the tone is what stands out to me. Dave's got it to spare! It goes without saying that the production is top notch as is the artwork.

The overall sound of the Dave Rude Band is one that is immediately familiar. Not retro! This isn't a calculated attempt to rip-off the past but instead a result of mixing up a big ol' vat of classic rock influences and adding a modern twist. If you need an old school comparison think Cheap Trick on steroids.

Stand out tracks include 'Heavy As A Raindrop', 'Crooked Bullseye' and 'Eighteen Eyes'.

Reviewed by
Swede,
Founder of the FatCat Radio Network www.fatcatradio.com
January '08
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recently received the fantastic E.P. through the post that I was so anxious to hear after hearing some great demo versions previously. To start with before I had even began to play this E.P. on my stereo I was so fascinated with the cool artwork on the sleeve and on the C.D., which draws your attention. When I first listened to this E.P. from the opening track “Heavy as a Raindrop” which I must say was a brilliant introduction to this E.P. with its catchy heavy guitar tempo with Dave’s great style of vocals and song writing skills that suit this music, with equal heavy raw sounding bass and drums to back the music up so well. From this first track right through to the final track “Crooked Bullseye” I was immaturely captured and hypnotised throughout this E.P, because of the impressive heavy guitar sound and amazing melodic guitar solos played so well by Dave, in a similar style of some of the great names from the past, such as Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimmy Hendrix in the mix. Although the music has that Classic Rock sound it still cleverly sounds so refreshing and up to date in a lot of ways and certainly showing many of Dave’s amazing talents throughout this E.P with the help of his great talented musician friends in the rhythm section and a great production to complete this little gem. Overall in my opinion this E.P. is amazing to listen to from start to finish leaving you wanting more and excited to hear a full album next time. Well recommended, especially if you looking for some great new up to date tunes to rock out to.
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