With Atreyu on what is seemingly an indefinite hiatus and with none of these “Surprise, we’re back” tours that always spread like a plague amongst bands that just can’t call it quits, drummer Brandon Saller has gone out on his own and created new band: Hell or Highwater. They’ve taken what his previous band started, and rocktified the shit out of it on debut album Begin Again.
Begin Again has a serious 1990’s rock’n’roll anthem vibe; it’s that rock n roll with punk rock sensibility. This means good riffage, sweet solos, and sing-a-long choruses without losing the hard rock feel of those L.A Sunset Strip bands from back in the 80’s.
The opening track, “Gimme Love,” hits hard with the solid kick and snare drum combination of a drum kit built from the passion soaked sheets of nights spent with the femme fatal character at the forefront of this track.
“Hail Mary” follows up with a “you broke my heart, but I’m gonna live my life anyway bitch” attitude and a “DAMN that guitar solo fills the slot so well.” It’s melodic, harmonized, and super simple; none of that flashy wankery that torments so many fine rock records. You know the ones: those who never decide on a point to the song, leaving you bedazzled, but at the same time wishing there was something to sing-a-long to and remember.
I think the stand out track here is “Go Alone,” a cowboy’s tale of redemption and restitution featuring M. Shadows of Avenged Sevenfold. With its western tinged guitar sounds and the lyrics spinning a tale of a cowboy who has just had enough. It’s a badass song. “I’ve been searching for heaven while running through hell… I’ll go alone” belts Brandon over the almost pop-punk styled chorus. Is this an insight into what it’s like being constantly on the road, away from your family and friends for so long, or are we being shown a glimpse of why Atreyu called that hiatus?
What always impressed me about Atreyu was Brandon’s voice. I never really explored Atreyu’s catalogue honestly, but every time I would chance upon a song I always thought, “That clean guy has a sweet voice,” but musically it wasn’t rock’n’roll enough for me. This isn’t to say that Hell or Highwater isn’t for Atreyu fans; it simply takes the edge that Brandon brought to the band and presents it in a more mature and emotionally grown up fashion.
The only drawback for me about Begin Again is that the songs seem a little safe, with most following the standard rock pop structuring. This isn’t a bad thing. It doesn’t break any new ground, but it certainly builds on the strong foundations already found in the rock’n’roll world and it does make for a quality debut record. I only wish Hell or Highwater would break their comfort zone and get a little crazy now and then. As I said, it is a quality debut and Hell or Highwater can only improve and hopefully go on to be an impressively innovative and unstoppable rock monster.
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HELL OR HIGHWATER TOUR DATES (W/THE DARKENSS):
01/23/13 Newport Music- Columbus, OH
01/25/13 Majestic Theatre- Detroit, MI
01/26/13 The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
01/27/13 Riviera Theatre – Chicago, IL
01/29/13 First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
01/30/13 Beaumont Club – Kansas City, MO
02/01/13 The Summit – Denver, CO
02/02/13 Belly Up – Aspen, CO
FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK ON ANY OF THE LINKS ABOVE, OR BELOW:
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www.HellorHighwaterofficial.com
www.twitter.com/Hell0rHighwater
http://hellorhighwaterofficial.tumblr.com/
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