Australian Guitarist / Songwriter
I recently got to try something new in the interviewing of a musical hero of mine by the name of Mr Grayson Hugh!! I’m sure you’ll agree that it’s a way interesting read, and I really appreciate Grayson’s absolute coolness and honesty during this!!
This was a guest article for my mate Peter Hodgson’s I Hear Guitar Blog site.
Check it out!! http://iheartguitarblog.com/2010/09/interview-grayson-hugh-guest-post-by-chris-szkup.html
“Cinderella” – I just get a real classic vibe from this song. Real nice opener. Almost something I could see Bryan Adams doing. The other vibe I get is that it would be incredible too see some of this stuff given the live treatment, cause this man has quite a catalog of great songs!!!
“It’s Getting on top of Me” – Again this seems instantly classic to me – kinda like when you think you’ve heard something before but you haven’t. Real pumping stuff. A little bit more attitude than the melodic opener, not that this isn’t melodic either though, but things are turned up half a notch if you will. Love the riffs. Great rocking and rolling,
and the bass lines really jump out and compliment the song bigtime!! Would love to be in the crowd screaming “It’s getting on top of me” for that breakdown bit! Yeah!!
“Never a Dull Moment” – As with all of the songs really, but this chorus is a real goody to my ears – the groove really seems to kick in at the chorus, and the melody is awesome. Some nice guitar interplay between Rob and Rob haha. Always tastiness going on which is what it’s about – totally complimenting the song which to me is the best kinda playing.
“What Happened to my World?” – OK so before any morons get in, yes this song is inspired by and probably loosely based on “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. Credit for even going there – I know with my own music I’d sound like a retard if I tried something like this, but Rob does it extremely convincingly here – the guitars
definitely could be Brian May playing them, and the vocal harmonies could be the three guys overdubbing til the cows come home. The difference of course is that everything
on this track is one guy – Sir Robollio Smith!!! Epic!!!
“Free Spirit” – Gotta relate to the lyric in this one for sure!!! The guitar doodles throughout this wouldn’t be out of place in the most popular of songs of today. Very catchy.
“Freedom to be who I am” – And who you are Rob Smith, is a SHIT HOT acoustic player!!! Damn this song is really something special. Would love to see an album of all stuff like this. Really cool!!!
“You Say You Want to be free” – Some of my comments from “What Happened to my World” could go here – I can’t believe this is all one guy playing and singing this stuff!!! Also check out the song length – quite an effort to have something that long (16 minutes) and keep it interesting. Mr Smith has definitely pulled that off here. This is like
the coolest two or three songs you’ll hear this year but all joined together to equal some epicness!!!! By the way mate, next time people reckon my songs are too long, I’m gonna send them your way haha!!
“On Common Ground” – I get a real spacey kinda vibe from the production on the first part of this song with the clean tones and vocals. REALLY loving the clean guitar solo stuff. I’m always a sucker for a nice clean tone and some tasty licks – which there are plenty of here. The “kit” used for the drum programming seems to really add to this kind of song too. Always nice to hear a vocal cameo from our mate MacGyver (Richard Anderson), a longtime collaborator of Rob’s who contributes lyrics to tracks 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12. Sweet track!
“Tears of the Sun” – Reading from the booklet this song was “inspired by the movie of the same name, and dedicated with deep respect to Bruce Willis and Antoine Faqua. I know Rob is a fan of Boston, which is the kinda vibe I get from the start of the song. Way cool anytime that happens!!! Having not seen the movie “Tears of the Sun”, I can only really imagine that if it were my movie this song was referencing, I’d certainly be happy and then some as it’s obvious that both Richard with his lyrics, and Rob with the music absolutely mean it!! Awesome ending to this song!!!
“Good Memories are made to Last” – Some cool interplay between the different guitar parts as always which Rob is so good at. Totally tasty playing with the leads. When the chorus kicks in, I get an image in my head of the video clip to “This is Love” by George Harrison where the family is all hanging out and enjoying each others company on a beautiful sunny day. I hear a bit that the “happier” songs are harder to write, and in my experience as a writer that can be true too. The guys pull it off awesomely here!!
“Let me Out” – BEAUT little bass runs on the intro and throughout. Love the tone as well!! Quite an eerie twist to the song at about 3.13 for a little bit which was cool, and also reminds me that the programming of the drums as always is fantastic on Rob’s stuff. A section like this with the wrong kinda drum sound would just go nowhere, but this was fantastic!!
“You’re Free” – So glad I got more of the acoustic stuff I was digging so much earlier on in the album with “Freedom to be who I am”!! Apparently this was recorded when it was raining outside according to the vocal intro – certainly not a bad way to spend a rainy day, and it almost looks like a tranquil scene – as long as “rain” doesn’t = pissing down rain haha!!
Beautiful song, and a fantastic close to the album!!!
In summing up, wow what a songwriter!!!! Amongst all the totally musically correct performances in the vocals, guitars, bass, keys etc, I guess it’s a possibility that the fact that the songs are all fantastic may be slightly overlooked!!!! So make no mistake – TOP NOTCH songwriting going on here!!! Hell Yeah Rob!!!
Everyone should buy this album and support independent music – the time and effort, and often money as well, is something that most folks don’t even give a second thought to in this age of music being apparently “free”. I sure hope that will change at some point, even though I’m not optimistic it will.
Contact robertsmith (a) xtra.co.nz or breakfree74 (@) gmail.com for purchasing info!!!!
Ho ho ho and stuff!!!! Hope everyone is well!!!
For anyone who might not have had the chance to pick up “Pieces of Eternity” as yet, the time couldn’t be better as we’re offering free shipping for the festive season and right through until 01/01/10!!!
Place your order as normal through the store at http://www.cs-songs.com/store and let us know if you have any problems. May include other sweeteners as well for orders placed during this time!!!
Much thanks and all the best!!! 
Hey folks,
As mentioned, being October 22 today here in Australia, I figured it would be rude to not have a cheesy gimmick to do with that date considering there is a song on my album of that name.
Sooooo, for a limited time, check out “October 22” on the http://www.myspace.com/eatpopslop
(HAPPY BIRTHDAY Suzanne!!! )
Hey folks!!
Lotsa stuff going on here!! Is an awesome time right now!!
Firstly, THANKS to Stephen Titter and 3CR Community Radio, who will be playing some of not only mine, but also GONE WILD’S music this Thursday October 1st @ 12pm (AEST). Listen online at http://www.3cr.org.au/
The end of 2009 will see yours truly getting back onto the live stage!! There are more dates being talked about, but so far, the following are confirmed:
October 21st @ The Espy (Basement Bar), 8.00pm
Chris Szkup unplugged – Will be a short solo set by Chris featuring a few songs from “Pieces of Eternity”. Will also be copies available if anyone needs them!
( http://www.theespy.com.au/ / http://www.roarhouse.org/ )
November 30th @ The Brunswick Club – 140 Sydney Road, 8.00pm
Corinna and Hurb Jephasun @ The Good Folk Club – I’ll be jamming with my good friends on guitar for this event!! Looking forward to it!!
For those folks wanting to check out lyrics for the album, wanted to post them here for now – will integrate them into the site a lot better as I get a chance to!!
“First Blood” (C.Szkup)
What is it like up there, can you tell me?
The tops of people’s heads, is all that you must see
I’m here to remind you, you’re less than you believe
And even less again, is how you are perceived
Generally….continuing to snipe at me
Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!
Deductor, deconstructor, architect of pain
Inflicting sadness, suffering is your aim
Your deception causing misconception – stumping me
But in this case the underdog tastes victory
You will see……you’ll never own the strings of me
Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!
Because I still am complete
And stronger than you’ll ever be!
(SOLOS – Skube, Chris)
I’m on my way to the top today
Can’t send me on another way
Little did you ever know
That further than you I would go
Little did you ever know
First blood would go to me!
Because I still am complete
And stronger than you’ll ever be!
(SOLOS – Skube, Chris)
(I Can’t) Start Again (C.Szkup)
I try, and I try
I can’t do it, I don’t know why
How long, will this last?
What happened to “All Things Must Pass”?
New start, I seek
But this niggling makes me weak
Plateau, for me
Now “I Want to Break Free”
Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again
I “Play, the game”
Not to let them in – the aim
Put on, my mask
Rehearsing of the script my task
Show time, I start
Another crack inside my heart
Too much, for me
Show must and does go on – barely
Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again
(SOLO)
(Wish that I could)
Nothing I want more but I can’t start again
I can see clearly but the past I can’t forget
Like the sad clown wishing he need not pretend
I can’t start again
(Can reach the end, but I can’t reach the start
I try, I try but it always falls apart)
Soundtrack (C.Szkup)
We wake up every day
You obviously love the way
I fake laugh at each thing you say
Over exaggerate
Cheesy voice, verbal masturbate
Every point I over inflate
When it comes to music I will tell you what we do
Bow to big business when they pump currency through
Veteran acts, from yesteryear
Forget their talent in this stale atmosphere
Heart and soul, sticks out a mile
Like the jewelery misplaced in the compost pile
Like clockwork every day
Same mediocure thing we play
Tapping your feet in the same way
Over it’s end I speak
List irrelevence of the week
With the excuse it’s tongue in cheek
Envious of Bill Murray in Groundhog Day
I do the same thing for a fraction of the pay
No longer the, guitar is played
We average .01 solos in a day
Harmony, the processed kind
Such inspiration from such beautiful minds
(Don’t you know)
I got a pro tools rig today with
Vocal sustain I’ll blow you away
The pitching and prowess that’s on display
(Backdoor show)
I’d pull my jeans up past my knees
But the world must wanna see
My plumbers (crack) and the brand of my undies
Killer of the game
Disciple of the mundane
Ruiner of the name
Another hack, miming to the soundtrack
Taker of the prize
With efforts half the size
Tabloids got your back
Another hack, miming to the soundtrack
So set me free, with a melody
October 22 (C.Szkup)
Long ago I had a dream
Impossible it did not seem
Was so young and I had, ambitions and
Anything desired I could be
Line of thought gets lost somewhere
Attitudes change amongst despair
And before I knew, what I should do
My dreams vanished into thin air
There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes
Then one fine summers day
Successfully in dismay
Was shown something where, I’d previously been
Attitude heads the other way
No doing it if you don’t try
New mission statement had by I
Don’t look back to where, you did not care
Once again aiming for the sky
There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes
Now I’ve finally got somewhere
The risk I took well it got me there
And I say to you, keep your feelings true
Stay positive you will get there
There are many paths around us
If we’re looking for a turn to make
No one every got hopes and dreams on a plate
Meet life’s instructor, AKA mistakes
To A Scream (C.Szkup)
Most of my senses for the body of my life
Could everything but say
Cacophony of thought invaded my brain
But that was yesterday
Ready to untangle this randomness
Ready to guide thought on it’s way
Have so much that I wanna tell
So many things to say
Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream
Now a message to all those that stood on me
Let the rematch begin
Only one thing is certain
You will lose and I will win
Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream
I’m flying, can’t cut me down
I’ll turn, negative around
Attempting the impossible getting in my way
If you know whats good for you, far away you’ll stay
Amount of the might I bear double yesterday
Reversal of fortune, I am here to stay
I’m flying, I know what I need
I’m ready, to succeed
Attempting the impossible getting in my way
If you know whats good for you, far away you’ll stay
Amount of the might I bear double yesterday
Reversal of fortune, I am here to stay
Watch me develop this whisper to a scream, c’mon!
Watch me strengthen this whisper to a scream, c’mon!
Not a single qualm in taking you on, c’mon!
Listen to me cause I’ll show you that you’re wrong, c’mon!
(SOLOS – Skube, Chris, Skube, Chris)
Watch me develop this, whisper to a scream
Watch me strengthen this, whisper to a scream
Lost Soul (C.Szkup / C.Reid)
My soul is lost on foreign sand
Needs to be lent a helping hand
So many obstacles in the way (of the)
Rebuilding of all this decay
My soul is lost at sea
Only you can rescue me
Seeking the journey back home
But cannot face it alone
The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay
My heart it lingers with my soul
The two abducted as a whole
The one desire I foresee
Like all my dreams it cannot be
The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay
(SOLO)
The day so dark, the night shines bright
Nothing I assume is ever right
At the end of the day, you’re so far away
You’re the only cure for my decay
Further away, lost my soul remains
Innate Self Destruct (C.Szkup / C.Reid)
(Oh yeah)
Unfragile I’m stronger than all
My hand the one that makes you fall, oh yeah
Hundred percent against the grain
I am the sole composer of your pain
An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell
I’ll give a new life with much more
Desire for death you can’t ignore
Don’t close you eyes, don’t close your mind
Look deep within what can you find, oh yeah
An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell
Between failures I lead you
No prevention you can use
Your life I gradually deduct
I am innate self destruct
I’m nothing good, I’m all things bad
My pleasure is to make you sad, oh yeah
I break you then come back for more
Won’t stop until your body’s sore, oh yeah
An instinct that you know well
Misery all I sell
Between failures I lead you
No prevention you can use
Your life I gradually deduct
I am innate self destruct
I’m nothing good, I’m all things bad, Innate
My pleasure is to make you sad, Innate
I break you then come back for more, Innate
I won’t stop until your body’s sore, Innate
Unfragile I’m stronger than all, Innate
My hand the one that makes you fall, Innate
Hundred percent against the grain I am, Innate
I am the sole composer of your pain, Innate
(SOLO)
(Ya think I’m jokin’ dont ya!)
Rob was kind enough to have this in my inbox the DAY he got the CD!!! For a dude as busy on musak as El Robbo, that’s mightily appreciated by me I gotta say!! Much thanks brother!!!!!!!!!!
This was also posted on the GONE WILD and friends Facebook page!!
“PIECES OF ETERNITY” BY CHRIS SZKUP
Reviewed by Rob Smith (GONE WILD)
Preface:
I recieved a copy of Chris Szkup’s new solo album (“Pieces Of Eternity”) in the mail today, on opening the package I was immediately struck with how great the artwork for this album is, a terrific job done there by Dan Verkys.
I found the album captivating and very interesting, almost like listening to 3 albums in one, with a range of different styles throughout the album.
Tracks 1, 6, 8, & 10 could be from one album, tracks 3, 4, 5, & 9 from another, and tracks 2 & 7 from yet another, but with Chris’s voice carrying most tracks, I found the mix of tracks to be very intriguing indeed.
This album shows just how versatile Chris Szkup is, as both a musical writer and a musician, his unique singing style blends perfectly with his different musical styles, and his musicianship on guitar/bass and piano/keys is first class.
A great job done by Stew Long with the mixing and production of this allbum @ Red Planet Studios.
1. Magical Occurence:
I was surprised when the Keyboards kicked in on this opening track, as somehow I had gotten it into my head that it would be a guitar opener, but I like surprises, and this opening mood peice has shades of Alan Parsons going on which I dig. Ian Bairnson styles on the guitar and the gong finish is great.
2. First Blood:
Ah! this is what I had in mind for the opener, but anyone who at first listen thought this was going to be a laid back album gets their answer right here! I have to say this is my favourite track on the album, great arrangement, great guitar. I dig it when Chris is in this mode, hot!!!
3. (I Can’t) Start Again:
This is where we skip albums, and jump into a different style completely to the last track, a solid uptempo rock track, almost Iggy Pop styles going on here for me!
4. Soundtrack:
This track runs along nicely with the last one, though a slightly lighter track. Sounds a bit like Richard Anderson on lead vocals ha! A nice big fat guitar sound on this one! with tasty licks!
5. October 22:
This track also follows the last two well, a cool quirky foot tapping song!
Chris’s vocals remind me a little bit in places of Tom Petty on this one! cool like it!
6. Transition:
Ok, the mood deepens and slows here with this cool instumental. We’re back with the opening track styles here I feel, and it draws you in. I love the mellow sound Chris has on the gatt on this track, shades of Mark Knopfler (Brothers In Arms) I can see why it’s called “Transistion”, as there are several within this track, very tastful accompanying keys and piano on this track by Chris also, nice!
7. To A Scream:
Like “First Blood” I really dig this track, a whole album of this style would be right up my back alley Chris. The vocal effects work great with this track, I’ve had some similar one’s sent my way by Richard Anderson (grins). Cool arrangement, love the lazy big chugalug chords in this track, and harmony notes played in the middle, great riff, totally dig it!!!
8. Lost Soul:
Chris’s piano skills come to the fore here! a superb track! it has a soul baring quality to it that I love, it has that Alan Parsons vibe going again, great melody! great gatt solo, I really dig your vocs on this one Chris!
9. Innate Self Destruct:
Once again a different style coming through here with this track, sits great with tracks 3, 4, 5, I feel.
Love the change in the middle where the gatt kicks in! makes me wanna get the bourbons out haha!
10. Tribal Eat Pop Slop:
Great! some latin vibe!!! You know I’m into that, way cool! I love that tribal vocal hook going on through this track, it’s kinda hypnotic, and I love the groove of this track also! another great arrangement! This track is also one of my favs, and a great way to finish off the album, wicked stuff!
This songs needs some airplay bigtime!!!!!
Conclusion:
“Pieces Of Eternity” is a very well produced album with some great songs and a cool mixture of styles throughout! Congratulations to Chris and everyone else involved, I wish you every success with your debut solo album.
Cheers,
Rob Smith (GONE WILD)
Originally posted on the GONE WILD and friends Facebook page!! – Much thanks for the kind words brother!!!!!!!!!!!!
Chris Szkup – Pieces Of Eternity (2009)
www.cs-songs.com
Chris’ solo recording career has only just begun, and what a way to kick things off !
1. Magical Occurence (2.23)
– I’ve liked this song ever since I heard a demo version years ago (it seems like eons ago). You know you’re in for a something special when a track such as this is the opener – it leads one to think a special journey is about to unfold…and indeed what it promises is then delivered.
2. First Blood (6.50)
– I’d heard a bit about this song over the course of our correspondence and know how much it meant to Chris to be able to pull this one off (as one would expect with everything on this album). What I hear is more killer riffs on this one song than some people have on their whole albums. The Brian May-style guitar harmonies really kick into life along with some Slash-type vibes thrown in for good measure (shades of Slash’s best work at any rate). The vocal on this track is definitely one where Chris’ voice is really comfortable sounding on the ears. Anyone that uses a whammy bar to such a successful conclusion as on this tune has my full and undivided attention.
3. (I Can’t) Start Again (5.09)
– Shades of The Rolling Stones here – and thats a compliment and a half, the riffs abound as one would expect when you’ve got someone of Chris’ calibre laying down the gatt work. What impressed me here was the strength of the vocal too, lots of attitude pours out in every word – and a great time i expect was had recording this tune, at least thats what I am hearing. This would be and should be a strong contender for radio play.
4. Soundtrack (4.33)
– If there were a prize for the cynical lyric of the year award – then this track would be a contender no doubt about it (I know a thing or two about this kinda thing – so trust me), nice licks are thrown down amongst an overall comfortable soundscape – this one shouldn’t scare too many grandma’s – at least musically.
5. October 22 (4.03)
– This is another song that I had previously heard a demo version of (in fact I have it lying around here amongst my archives – don’t worry it won’t end up on ebay just yet LOL). Now I know Chris’ musical tastes are pretty electic so it comes as no surprise when theres a knee’s up type number thrown into the mix – his brother Matt did quite well on the tambourine there (I have video footage of him in the studio laying this down – a good time looked to be had on this occasion). This is a fun one ya’ll – yeehaw !
6. Transition (7.31)
– What a delightful wee number we have here (it didn’t seem like it was that long when I listened to it the first time, which is usually the sign of brilliance) – Chris might well forgive me if I compare this soundscape to some of Mark Knopflers better known works (at least as far as the mellow vibes are concerned). This track is an absolute stunner, just when your mind is transfixed on the sublties, out comes this rather awesome piece of lead work – I wish I could play like that! (now you know with Chris and Rob Smith around why i don’t even bother ! LOL)
7. To A Scream (9.44)
– Given the length of this number I fully expected that this would be something special – long tunes generally hold my attention longer than most as I know the challenge put into creating such masterpieces. As far as pushing the boundaries are concerned, this tune does so in spades. The killer licks, the vocal effects, the highballers – they all work bigtime. Lyrically this is my favourite song on the album, in fact this song as a whole has just the right attitude to have me grinning like a chesire cat…there’s blues, metal and even some funk going on there – I dig bigtime ! I might also add that the drummer is tighter than…well I better not ellaborate, but rest assured it kicks all kinds of ass!
8. Lost Soul (4.17)
– I was so glad to hear a track where the piano comes to the fore, thus proving once and for all that Chris is more than just a brilliant exponent of the axe merchand variety of human being. This is one of my favourite tracks on this album also. Knowing that Chris is a huge fan of Roger Taylor (Queen – not Duran Duran, although he may be a fan of his too) so it comes as no surprise that there would be the kind of song on this album that reminds me of Roger’s best work (I could imagine him singing this number) – funnily enough the lead guitar solo once again reminds me of that other Queen chappy. Melody abounds – and I love melody, in fact I would go so far as to say that the vocal refrains are quite dreamy (but hey anything would be after “To A Scream” wouldn’t it ? LOL)
9. Innate Self Destruct (5.26)
– This was the first track that I heard completed during the recording sessions of this album, I remember telling Chris how much I was into not only the usual (tight as playing/instrumentation), but also I really REALLY digged the vocal on this one – particularly pleasing to me was that there were backing vocals in there that added to the overall feel of the song, more than ably (in fact I’d like to hear this cat tending to the backing vocals on some other tunes in the future). It might seem weird to think a metalhead would have a toe-tapper (this is the second one) on their debut album – but Chris defies all the rules and does what he does because he makes the music he digs. Again this is another mighty effort and another album highlight for me. Check out when those guitars come in – it’s like going a round with Rocky, cue the air guitars mofos! This is a rock ‘n’ roll orgy on this here tune, someone pass me a cigarette!!!!.
10. Tribal Eat Pop Slop (7.15)
– Closing off the album where we started from – this song is completely nothing like I had expected. I’m not going to ruin it for the listener by saying exactly what’s going on here, but this song is the kind of track that offers up allsorts of weird and wonderful imagery – a contender for a video treatment perhaps? This is one compelling wee ditty that draws the listener in, it had me guessing what was coming next, quite hypnotic in its rendering, it’s a perfect album closer I reckon.
Kudos to Matt and Dale for their efforts on this here album – you have served your apprenticeships well – keep up the great work lads!
In closing I am happy to see that my brother in rock has realised his dream of having completed recording his debut album, the sky is now the limit…I thank Chris for his contributions and inspirations to our shared endeavours and now feel blessed to know his solo material will inspire as well – I feel that time will be kind to this chap and his talents and I look forward to helping Chris achieve the goal of achieving a few more of his dreams, i’m proud to call this dude my brother in rock !
Tasmania has finally bred their own form of rock god (this album confirms it even though I already knew this from our previous endeavours of working together) – even though Melbourne will no doubt claim the bugger LOL
I have to extend a congrats to Dan Verkys (www.guardenofbandthings.com) for his amazing artwork that ties it all together rather nicely – extending the whole visual vibe i’m getting from this platter….kudos all round there man! (which you can see my niece Kayla was mighty impressed with too 🙂
Here’s to album’s #2,#3…and then some !
– Richard Anderson (GONE WILD, The Feckers)
It gives me great pleasure to announce that it’s FINALLY here!!!!
Click HERE to order the album through the official webstore!!
OTHER NEWS:
Also should mention that I had a great studio session the other night for The Feckers album that was started in July!!! We now pretty much have three songs totally done music wise, with one of them even having vocals on it already!! Is sounding bitchin!!
OK so following on from my initial review of GONE WILD II, disc 1 that you can read here.
GONE WILD II – DISC 2:
“Thunder and Lightning” – I think the story goes with this one that Rob had just shredded his heart out only to discover that his machine ended up eating the tracks on him, and left him wondering “great – what the hell do I do now”. Must have been some incredible stuff on those tracks!! I guess we’ll never know, but what we get on the finished track from the album is pretty damn impressive enough for me!!! If there are any ever GONE WILD live appearances they should totally do this song live!!
“I Caught You Out” – The title makes me think of “Howzat” for a moment, and though that may seem like a pisstake it isn’t!!! This tune is pretty cruisy rock, not too heavy, not too light. Some cool snarls in the vocal. One of those lyrics that any person (decent ones anyway) can relate to.
“Thicker” – The opening of the track reminds me of Melbourne convinience stores – where’d you record that sample guys? Haha. I think I read this was the first time our axe man ever used the drop D tuning (for the non musicians reading, this is where the lowest string of the guitar is lowered two notes, thus producing a much easier way to fret power chords, and also allowing the guitar to obviously play a little bit lower too which can inspire new things as far as composing goes). If I remember correctly too, this is MacGyver doing the much feared “high baller” on this song? Pretty cool stuff all round. Totally slamming heavy. A pretty new thing for the guys in GONE WILD.
“Is It Real” – I wish I wrote this song!! It’s a kinda loungey vibe throughout, and has that feeling of familiarity – like you’ve heard it before, even though you obviously haven’t. Could see this song working real well acoustically at a booze up, complete with yobbo background vocals and everything. Tasty saxophone stuff on this one too. I’m not the hugest phone of the sax usually, but find that when the guys team up with Robin, I’m always into it. Top stuff.
“Karma” – This one fades in with quite a bad arse bass / drums groove. Some sweet playing from Matt here, before the guitar introduces what will be the main hook of the song. When I played this for the first time it instantly grabbed me. Feels very Boston influenced, even down to some of the solos, which is a total credit in my book as they’re a great band. Again, this one should be done live if the guys ever go that way. Amazing song!!
“Doesn’t Really Matter” – Apparently I got some of this kinda stuff wrong with my Disc review, but I’m confident I hear MacGyver lead singing on this one along with Rob, and as usual their voices blend nicely. The main guitar riff of this song almost feels like signature Rob stuff now having heard a bit of it. Good solid rock on display here. Catchy melodies as usual.
“Rise Up” – (Wondering if the intro was recorded during one of the guys bourbon fests? Haha 
) The chorus to this song is a real pumper I gotta say. The song feels very familiar, but I can’t say it really sounds like any specific band…..except GONE WILD!!! That’s where it’s at!!
“The Way of the World” – When this track starts off, you can just tell it’s gonna be epic!! Great chord progression. Nice tasty fretless bass here, and the spoken intro really strikes a nerve I think. Chorus is KILLER!!!!! Great song, and touching on those subjects again that should be touched on a lot more than they are!!
“If Only I Could Find the Words” – This is one of those tracks that kinda makes it suprising that this is the same bunch of guys that also tore our faces off with “Thunder and Lightning” a while back. Totally cruisy funky blues rock that I could hear someone like Ben Harper doing. The piano on this one really adds to it as well. Just a good time all the way on this one musically.
“In the Year of the Blues” – I’d imagine the guys all enjoyed this one a lot being the blues fiends they are!! Loving it. How can you go wrong with the right bunch of guys and some blues!!!
“Where Would We Be” – Without the lyric sheet all I can say is this sounds like a pretty deep nod to a situation with a female companion of someones. Amazing chorus!! Wow!! This one actually I never realised just how cool it was because of all the songs!! Totally melodic and memorable which is 100% cool to me!! Haha some great samples in this one!!
“Bourbon Blues” – This was another track the guys were kind enough to have me play on for them, and I still remember hearing of the idea for the song from Rob – “was just an idea so I went with it” real modest like. I heard the song and went “SHIT – I love this!!” and I still do. Great fun to play to. All the guys did great with their bits. Honoured to be along for it!!
“21st Century Cool” – Not sure where the intro for this is from but I love it, and then the guitar that kicks in. Awesome!!! Sounds a bit like Brian May “Ressurrection” style there which is a compliment and then some!! You kind of expect it to be heavier after that than the main riff of the song that kicks in, which is a nice little twist, cause the obvious thing to do would be to crunch away as loud as possible. Totally catchy choruses here again. Rockin all the way!!
“Wild Boy” – Some cool production on those Breakfree voices coming into the track. This one proves a nice finale to the album – something not too heavy, not too light. Is like the guys want to leave you with their motto to remember them by before the disc finishes. Totally cool harmonies as usual.
Great stuff, and well done on a fantastic album lads!!! For more info, check out http://www.myspace.com/gonewildnz