Bad Touch - Kiss The Sky
Released 19/6/20
Album review by; DeeDee
Having formed in 2009 in deepest Norfolk, Bad Touch could be called the founding fathers, of the emerging young rock bands we see in abundance these days. With a mellow blues/rock swagger and brimming full of talent, the 5 East Anglian guys have become firm favourites with fans and media and were winners of the best live band with The Exposure Music Awards in 2012. This soon led to other achievements and a place at Hard Rock Hell, since then they have played at the Download, Planet Rockstock, Ramblin Man and Steelhouse festivals. Tours with the likes of FM, Tyketto, Skid Row and The Quireboys to name a few, have also followed and have kept the fanbase growing, each year they seem to win more and more accolades.
A rousing beginning with ‘Come A Little Closer’ which is a stunning out and out rocker that bounces along and gets you in the mood for more. Anyone who hasn’t heard Bad Touch before is immediately faced with their laid back, yet totally enrapturing style. Up next is ‘I Get High’ Southern Rock/Black Crowes guitar influences are mashed up with Stevie Westwoods’ vocals to produce an easy going number, with stacks of cool licks it’s quite a moody delivery. There is more steel and stomp on ‘Let Go’ with keys tinkering and an overall increasing Bluesy vibe, those who have seen the band live recently would have heard it already. The first single ’Strut’ is heavier, Stevie pushes his vocals further and the song contains a lot of different directions. The guitar pairing of Rob Glendinning and Daniel Seekings, give this band an extra edge and it is so evident on this track. With the sweetest of backing vocals and then the inclusion of remarkable bass from Michael Bailey, it has loads of feeling.
A cover to outshine all covers, ‘I’ve Got The Music In Me’ the Kiki Dee hit from 1974 is reworked to perfection, it’s a blinding song anyway, but the band certainly stamp their mark on it and we get a contemporary rocked up version. ‘Can You Save Me’ slows the pace in a comfortable manner, it’s soft and rising with more outstanding guitar work. The steady drums of George Drewry can be heard really clear and are resonant on this one, as are this backing vocals. The title track ‘Kiss The Sky’ truly epitomises the sound and style of one of the best bands of this NWOCR era. Blues/Rock overtones, Stevies’ unique stance and perfect strumming. Having a punchy and determined aim, I like the way it comes across. ’See You Again’ floats in like a soothing breeze, a ballad having guitars overflowing, with lashes of mesmerising chords and yet again the powerful Stevie Westwood opens his heart up with astounding lyrics, this time to honour the memory of a close friend of the band.
A funky element steps in on ‘Before I Die’ more upbeat and taking a slightly different direction, I liked it but at 2.27 minutes it’s way too short, I wanted to hear more! The penultimate track, ‘Sun And The Moon’ has messy hooks and deeper riffs, with sultry backing vocals and it manages to make a massive impact on you again having a Crowes feel about it. The four minute finale, a bonus found on the CD, ‘Something About Your Kiss’ is romantic and blissful, guitars scream and twirl into the distance. Vocals echo lovingly and the fading out at the end is sublime.
A fourth album that sets a standard way over the bar, it flows without effort. The 13 track Kiss The Sky was recorded at the legendary Rockfield Studios in Monmouth, produced by Nick Brine and mastered by Pete Maher, this is one that will feature among the best of 2020.
5/5
BAD TOUCH are;
Stevie Westwood - Vocals
Rob Glendinning - Guitar
Daniel 'Seeks' Seekings - Guitar
George Drewry - Drums
Michael Bailey - Bass
Bad Touch’s new album “Kiss The Sky” is released by
Marshall Records on June 19th. Pre-order the album
from www.badtouchkissthesky.com
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The album will be available on White Vinyl, CD and on
digital platforms.
