Collateral
Album review by; Myk
Following a fantastic 2019 for these Kent based foursome, great things are expected of them in 2020, especially from this their highly anticipated debut album. They are unashamedly influenced by early 80s' rock, or hair metal if you like and they certainly look the part.
First up on the album is the already well-known Mr Big Shot which has garnered a decent amount of airplay having been released as a single back in October 2019. A big riff, some great vocal harmonies backed by a pounding rhythm from Ben on drums with Jacks bass line nicely up in the mix. This is a real powerful opening statement hopefully setting the tone for the rest of the album.
Promised Land kicks in with more big riffs and well delivered backing vocals, before it’s onto the clearly Bon Jovi influenced, Merry Go Round a good up-tempo tune. On In It For Love we get more driving bass and more obvious use of keyboards, which are also evident on most of the tracks, that gives a fuller sound. There are interesting changes in tempo during the song and a great solo from the impressive guitarist Todd Winger who is quite unique these days in not relying heavily on effects pedals.
Lullaby is a heavier number once again showcasing the excellent backing vocals from Todd and bassist Jack. Midnight Queen originally released as a single back in 2018 is tinged with a southern rock sound. We then get the inevitable ballad Get Back To You which hints of big stadium Aerosmith. Then upping the pace once more for Won’t Stop Me Dreaming with singer Angelo as throughout showing off his decent vocal range and fairly relaxed delivery.
The album then finishes up with another ballad About This Boy that has clear country undertones, this is a number that you can hear is destined for the live environment. Given the genre there was always a danger that Collateral could drift into cheesy territory but with the quality of the writing and an impressive sound mix, this never materialised or even got close for that matter.
Overall this is a fine debut cementing their growing reputation with some well-crafted songs from 4 very competent musicians. My only gripes are that it’s a bit light with just the 9 tracks and the compositions are fairly safe but a big part of that is the genre itself which lends itself to a more commercial radio friendly sound.
On the back of this debut I can see 2020 definitely being a year of continued growth for them as they gather new fans far and wide.
​
​
​
See Collateral live in 2020;
​
