Only at the beginning of May, the frontman of the band MAROON 5, Adam Levine, claimed that rock bands are threatened with extinction. Dear Mr. Levine, with the American band THE L.A. MAYBE I would like to convince you of the opposite and prove that classic rock is far from dead! THE L.A. MAYBE is a six-piece Rock 'N' Roll band hailing from the southern heat of the Carolinas that has released their new album "Dirty Damn Tricks". They are often compared to legends like GUNS 'N' ROSES, AC/DC, THE BLACK CROWES or VAN HALEN - if that's not a great honour! And I can promise you that the comparison is completely justified.
If there is one thing music does not do, it is stand still. It constantly evolves and picks up old techniques, which are defined more finely over time, as well as improved. And that's why classic rock will never die out - it merely improves. Guitarists Dallas Dwight and Drizzle Silvera, for example, are tireless when it comes to memorable hooks and rousing guitar solos, which by no means fall short. The two "Twin Guitar Attacks" not only complement each other, but each expands their ability, thus adding a notch on top. Their singer, Alvi Robinson, was one of only four singers considered to replace Brian Johnson in AC/DC in 2016. How the story finally turned out, most probably know. It's just the loss for AC/DC and not THE L.A. MAYBE. The overall package is a fusion of old and new classic rock, led with the latest technology and modern songwriting brings new momentum to the scene. If you also like bands like DIRTY HONEY, GRETA VAN FLEET or RIVALS SONS, you will also like the sound of THE L.A. MAYBE. More about the band can be found in the interview with Dallas Dwight, which you can read in the coming days.
"Mr. Danger" was the first single the band unleashed on the crowd. With almost 50,000 clicks on YouTube, they were able to make a huge impression on fans. And that doesn't surprise me either. Because the influences of the bands compared to them can't be ignored at all! Alvi, whose voice is so distinctive and incomparable, immediately stands out and leaves no doubt who he resembles. In no way does he sound artificial or even produced. The passion is unmistakable. But that alone is far from all. His five other band members give everything it takes for a decent rock song. With stomping beats, melodic keyboard parts, a decent bass and screaming guitars the song becomes an ode to Rock 'N' Roll.
"For our second single, we wanted to showcase a slightly different side of the band. “Sucker Punch” is a high-energy rocker that comes together when you combine a huge rock anthem chorus with a relentless driving groove, sprinkle in some Southern Carolina heat, and bring it all into the 21st Century. This track is an anthem for those who fly the flag of the New Wave of American Rock. It’s about always being told no, but never accepting defeat. But most of all, it’s a call to arms for rock n’ roll fans everywhere to stand up, get loud, and to never let the music die without a hell of a fight." I really couldn't have described it better in my own words. If you've been sitting quietly in your chair until now, you'll be blown away by the energy! Even after repeated listening, the rousing energy reminds me of songs by MÖTLEY CRÜE.
If the guys can do one thing above all, it's gripping hooks and riffs that won't leave your ears in a hurry. “Oh Sugar" is more than just a prime example of this. With a blues rock rhythm they enchant the listener at first. This rises more and more in the course of the song, until it turns into a kind of pop riff in the chorus and lets the "sugar" become even sweeter. But despite the pop influences, they remain true to rock. The band proves this with a passionate guitar solo, underlining percussion, as well as a background choir that heats up the passion and general mood of the track.
When I received the album and pressed play for the first time, I realized after a few songs that I was going to like the album. Each song is special in its own way. But without having listened to the album all the way through, I abruptly realized that "When I'm Gone" would become my favorite song. Not only does it stand out as a ballad, it is also the longest song on the record. Starting with the fact that the ballad isn't about a past love, as it usually is, was already a plus. I was immediately aware that there is so much more behind these lines than one can comprehend and feel. And lines like "I've done all I can, oh it's time to move on, will you remember when I'm gone? or "Will you raise your voice and sing my song" left goosebumps. But then I hadn't heard the gospel choir either, which contributed so much feeling and soul to the song. In the end, I was so intrigued that I definitely had to bring up the song in the interview with Dallas.
"Fake" is the penultimate hot and energetic rock 'n' roll song on the album. You can turn that one up a notch too loud. Surely, there are enough listeners who have had similar experiences fitting the theme and accordingly want to show certain people the middle finger. Fittingly, "Fake" welcomes you with open arms and gives you the voice you never had. Musically, as well as vocally, this resembles the early days of GUNS 'N' ROSES, when they were still young and wild. Exactly such songs you wish for hot summer days at concerts or festivals. But with free shots ;)
THE L.A. MAYBE is a band that has understood their genre in all details and deserves to save Classic Rock above all! Because Sex, Drugs and Rock 'N' Roll should never die out (whereas drugs have destroyed so many good people)! Certainly a big plus point of this band is their independence. There is no label behind them that gives them a label, deforms them according to their own ideas and takes away the musical freedom. Exactly this raw and self-polished work is what listeners want to find individuality in the music world. THE L.A. MAYBE proves this among other things with their "Twin Guitar Attack", whose creativity is inexhaustible and means an incredible amount to me as a fan. Even if words can say a lot, instrumental solos are sometimes a bit more valuable. Otherwise there wouldn't be those many distinctive riffs that would stick in your ear. I'm satisfied all around with the album and I'm excited to see what else will come our way in the future!(Sarah-Jane)
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Rating:
Number of songs: 10
Album lenght: 47:17
Label: independent
Release day: 26.03.2021
