Just A Ride - Just A Ride
- Rock Media UK
- Mar 1, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 11, 2022
Album review by; Accidental Music Reviewer
Just A Ride, the four piece alt-rock and post-grunge hybrid juggernaut have released their self-titled debut album, so now the wait is finally over! The band with the seminal Bill Hicks inspired name even include a sound bite of the great comedian on the short, jaunty intro track. After that, all hell breaks loose.
As soon as the second track “Fallen” kicks off, you know the wait for this album was totally worth it. Just A Ride are described by some as a nineties inspired grunge band, and that is true to some degree, but on the evidence of this record, they are a lot more than that. Way more.
These guys are genre-bending and style mixing songsmiths worthy of all music fans’ attention. Just A Ride literally throw everything they have ever heard into their own rock cauldron and the resulting sound is pure magic.
There are heaps of down and dirty grunge in their DNA, but you do not have to look or listen very closely to spot all the different musical elements on display on the album. Groove driven hard rock, melodic, anthemic with a thumping rhythm. There are hints of Def Leppard and more up to date bands on the NWOCR circuit such as Mason Hill and Scarlet Rebels.
Just A Ride are the latest in a growing movement of UK Rock bands who effortlessly merge the traditional values of classic rock and have turbo injected it with punk, grunge and alt-rock elements to create something really special. Big, meaty riffs, migraine inducing drums and a very impressive stadium band rock vocal that literally leads from the front. Rob Henderson has a powerful voice with different facets and sides to it which really make him stand out as a gifted front man.
All the tracks on the album are hard hitting, melodic and instantly enjoyable. These songs were made to be blasted out in the car with the sun shining and not having a care in the world. The power-packed “Who You Are” which was released previously as a single is one of the many stand out tracks. All rock fans will enjoy this album because it ticks all of the right boxes….and then some. “Standing Here” is a really outstanding modern rock anthem and will no doubt bring any house down that Just A Ride play in. Previously released tracks “Not Enough”, “I Wanna Know” and “Start Over” are all strong songs which fit in perfectly with the newer tracks. “T.I.R.O.” really impressed me and is an early front runner in the race to be one of my favourite tracks on the album.
Overall, Just A Ride make a hell of a lot of noise for just four people and less than half way through this record you find yourself lost in it. It is totally engrossing and entertaining. This album definitely has legs and it will be in the discussion when the 2022 reviews and lists start coming out towards the end of the year. This is one band I really need to see play live.
There are a lot of truly outstanding NWOCR bands out there and they have all released some unbelievably good debut albums. And, as of last Friday, Just A Ride and their thrilling full length release must now be nailed on to be added to that list.
Just A Ride’s time has come and future Musos will note that the release of this record was the catalyst for the music world to finally take notice of this amazing band. This album will put them on the map and hopefully gather more momentum as we plummet towards festival season. They have style, class and the talent to be a genuine force to be reckoned with on the UK rock scene, hopefully for years to come.
This album is an absolute joy to listen to from start to finish. It’s loud, fast and brightly coloured, but remember - “It’s Just A Ride''.
4 and a half out of 5
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