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New TCSO single – “No Way Back For Us”!!

The second in a “once a month or so” series of tracks from TCSO, a cover version of the great song written by New Zealand artist Rob Smith of RPJ called “No Way Back For Us”.

Featuring Mathew Szkup (guitar), Rob Lundgren (vocals) and Dennis Leeflang (drums and mix) alongside Chris Szkup (guitars and bass), this song was originally intended to be used for GONE WILD when a third album was being discussed a few years back. However, when plans changed in regards to that album, Chris obviously had fun on the track and asked the question “can we do the song anyway”!!! Luckily Rob Smith being the great fellow that he is, agreed to it.

Once again, mastering on this track was done by Andy VanDette at Engineroom Audio in NYC, while artwork was done by Dan Verkys.

Check it out right now for free on Bandcamp, and if you feel like purchasing it, then thank you so much but either way, I hope you like it…….especially you Rob Smith!!!

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My thoughts on GONE WILD II (continued)

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 :P) 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

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“Pieces of Chris” – Interview for GONE WILD and Friends!!!

Chris with the Uke

Chris Szkup – Pieces Of Chris (Interview)

1. How does it feel to finally have “Pieces Of Eternity” completed ?

Chris:
FANTASTIC!!! Ya know, it honestly looked for a while there like it may not happen at all,
so to be sitting here reflecting on it’s completion is really something!!

2. You first mooted the title for this album years ago, did you stick
to the same set of songs all these years ?

Chris:
No, although there are a few songs that would have been on that earlier version.
Some of the stuff was written as late as 2007.

3. What made you decide to record a solo album as opposed to getting together
in a band situation ?

Chris:
Really just from being burned too many times I think. Eventually enough was going to be
enough, and although there’s definitely something special about being in a band and having
all guys on the same page and equally involved and into it, actually finding that situation
is quite a tricky thing as well.

Having said that, doing some of the earlier sessions for the album we’d lay down the bass
and drums with me singing / playing along, and some of the mateship from those sessions
really reminded me of the earlier days when we used to have a steady band going. Good times!!

4. What lead to you taking on the singing role ?

Chris:
Again, just relying on people, but being let down. I’m definitely not the most able
vocalist on the block, but at least I’m going to turn up!!

And also, because a lot of the lyrics are pretty personal stuff, who better to convey them than
me I figure.

5. Besides playing guitar and singing, what other instruments did you play on this album ?

Chris:
Let’s see….bass on “October 22” and “First Blood”, keys and piano on several tracks, and
some extra drum smacks on “Magical Occurence”.

6. Who would you describe as some of your main influences as a songwriter ?

Chris:
There are soooooooo many really, but in recent times, I suppose Glenn Hughes,
Bumblefoot, George Harrison, Megadeth, Cheap Trick and Queen.

7. You’ve previously been in the band Melodic Candy and Jigsore, did anyof those
experiences of being in those bands have an influence in the songs on “Pieces
Of Eternity” ?

Chris:
Not at all aside from me knowing right away that some of the stuff I was writing
wasn’t really gonna fit in as far as what Jigsore was doing at the time.

8. Your brother Matt plays on “Pieces Of Eternity”, it must be something pretty
cool to have a family member to bounce ideas off of, what did Matt bring to
the fold for this album ?

Chris:
What DIDN’T he bring? Haha. First and foremost, he’s the guy that is responsible
for it even existing. I’ll explain. Since moving from Tasmania in 2004, once in a
while I’d send him some stuff I had demoed. Just “check this out, wrote it the
other day” kinda stuff. There was one song he heard this way called “Innate
Self Destruct”, and he was right into it. Pretty much said that we have to get it
recorded, he knows the perfect place to do it, and he’ll even pay for it if I’m
short of a quid!!!!! What a guy!!!!!!!

So aside from being responsible for the whole thing starting at all, he also brings
enthusiasm (which is pretty much essential), great drumming, guitar playing and
singing, and not a bad set of co-producers ears either.

9. Did you have any other people contribute to the recording of the album ?

Chris:
Well aside from Stew Long who handled the controls for us at Red Planet,
we have Dale Brewer on bass for 7 of the 10 songs.

10. What is your expectation with regards “Pieces Of Eternity” ?

Chris:
No expectations really, other than hopefully some people our there somewhere
getting some enjoyment from it and hearing what fun we had making it.

11. Will you be shooting any video’s for this album ?

Chris:
It is definitely something that is on my mind, and we’ve spoken about this a little bit. I have
to check it out some more, but if all goes well there will be some videos in some shape or form
in the future.

12. Will you be getting a live unit together to play these songs in concert ?

Chris:
It isn’t something that’s planned at the moment unfortunately. Maybe that will change. Sure
would be fun.

13. Previously you had recorded with Jigsore, what happened there, why was an
album never officially released ?

Chris:
That was such a long time ago now, I’m not sure I really know the answer to that!! Haha.
I guess it just wasn’t meant to be – as cheesy as that may sound.

We definitely did some cool things though – cut our teeth playing live together, learned a lot
in the studio, and drank enough alcohol together for a couple of life times. Some fun stuff for
sure!!

14. Aside from your solo projects, have you played on any other albums ?

Chris:
As far as released stuff goes, my mates in GONE WILD from New Zealand were kind enough to have
me onboard for 3 songs on their latest album, and one song on their first, which is always a good fun experience.

Aside from that, there is an album from a chap from the USA called Rick Bone, who is donating the proceeds of his album to MS Research, being a sufferer of the disease himself. To be able to in any way at all contribute to something like that which is so important is definitely a cool thing for a postman from down under I can tell you!!

15. What’s the biggest buzz out of playing on other people’s albums ?

Chris:
Just everything about it. Hopefully at the end of the process you read that your parts added to the song and the person is happy, which is what it’s really all about – making music together and being happy, so I guess that’s the biggest thrill for me!!

16. Do you plan on doing more writing/guest apperances on other peoples albums in the future ?

Chris:
Sure if things come up and I’m available. I pretty much take things as they come, but wouldn’t rule anything out!!

17. It’s now been well documented that you have a side-project on the go – along with writing and recording your 2nd solo album, how easy is it for you to keep The Feckers and Chris Szkup seperated musically ?

Chris:
I don’t really think about it a whole heap to be honest with you. It’s a matter of just doing what you do. With The Feckers, it seems like we’ll definitely be going to some places musically that my album doesn’t, but it wasn’t really a concious decision on my part. Maybe the lyrics Richard sends me can inspire some different ways of thinking in regards to the music, but in general, I have so much music in my head, that I can spread them nicely between the two monkiers and make it seem like some grand plan when in reality it isn’t haha!

18. Who designed the “Pieces Of Eternity” artwork ? It looks great and conjurs up all sorts of
visuals, without being anything too over the top or cheesy!

Chris:
Yeah how cool is that artwork!!! Mr Dan Verkys, who is also from Melbourne. He was a total breeze to work with. Everyone should check out his stuff at: http://www.gardenofbadthings.com/

19. Will you have him do any design work for you in the future ?

Chris:
If he’s available I’d definitely want to keep things rolling there. I couldn’t imagine going to anyone else at the moment!!

20. Lastly, for those that aren’t too sure on how to pronounce your surname, could you
ellaborate on what might be the best way to say it correctly ?

Chris:
HAHAHA!!!! I’m always misunderstood, so even if I were to type it out in this reply, it more than likely isn’t going to come across the right way! Maybe I can make a video down the track haha.

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My thoughts on GONE WILD II – Disc 1!!!

OK, so I ain’t no writer – and in fact the “word dude” as I have sometimes called him, is infact in the band that I’m writing this on, but I wanted to attempt to do a write up on the new GONE WILD album “GONE WILD II”, for them, for me, and for people out there also that might be curious. So here it is for your reading pleasure or maybe displeasure! ENJOY! (Coming soon will also be some LOOOOOOONG overdue words on their first CD “GONE WILD”)

I’ve gotta say that when the boys mentioned the plan was for a double album, I honestly wasn’t sure exactly how serious they were about it – maybe it was kinda a way of saying that their writing for this album was kicking arse and there were no shortage of ideas? Afterall, who really does double albums anyway. It really seemed like it would be a real task if they were in fact serious.

Somewhere along the way I’d be hearing about this song they’d been working up, then another, and another, and I thought to myself “holy shit – they WERE serious”!! Credit to them for that part of it alone. The fact that every single song holds up and is pretty damn good is something else altogether – 29 of them baby!!

The thing I really enjoy about listening to these guys is that it’s not really music that the masses make anymore. No one is really this diverse from song to song in these days of overproduced mush. This is essentially a rock album, but you couldn’t call it straight up hard rock, you couldn’t call it metal, you couldn’t call it pop, soft rock etc. To my ears, and it seems the stuff that generally stands the test of time and holds up is that which you can’t quite classify in a genre. It’s not norweigan doom sludge death black thrash metal, blues, jazz, rock, or whatever the hell, it’s just “GOOD”. I’d put this album in that boat most definitely.

It must be mentioned that again, the guys asked me to come on board for some guitar playing on their songs, which I’m always stoked to get the opportunity to do. You’ll see my comments on the songs I played on “State of Euphoria”, “Georgia Peach” and “Bourbon Blues”, but needless to say it was awesome as usual and here’s to it happening again sometime in the future!!

“Silent Tears” – Was impressed with the guys taking on this kind of subject matter and essentially going where a lot of people generally wouldn’t. You’ve gotta respect that, and not to mention the song is a damn good one too. The chorus is real real catchy as pretty much all of them are, and it features (I believe) Richards neice with a spoken cameo.

“Rock This World” – To me this is classic rock all the way. Quite an anthem really. I think I was singing this chorus to myself as early as the 2nd verse (ie after hearing it once). That’s what it’s all about. Creating a hook like that which is instantly memorable is a talent for sure!!

“Immortal” – Had been given a preview of this one as recording was underway. I’m not sure exactly when, but it really impressed me to hear the guys heavy it up this much. Is kind of “Kill the King” by Rainbow tempo, and easily as heavy. Rob shreds like a mofo on this song!!!! Metal!!!

“Bitter Sweet” – I really like the rhythm section on this song coming in – and by the way the drums on this album are programmed by Mr Rob Smith. That can be something, trying to nail it with programmed drums. For demos no worries, but on a final album, and especially on a rock or metal album – trying to make them sound huge and not to mention REAL can really be an arseache. It really feels like a rhythm section though, here especially. Love the bass tone here from Mr Matt Sturgess. HUGE!! Pumping along with those “drums”. Is some cool interplay going on between the two voices with Richard doing an almost spoken verse, then Rob coming in for the next bit. Works really well here and pretty much always does with the two guys on vocals. Great song!!

“Living on the Edge” – Some nice keys / guitar for an intro here. Very atmospheric (that word is no accident – I’m pretty sure this is Rob and Nilsy – Nils Ole Finbak – guest keys and piano on the intro, and they have just released an album of mellow stuff called “Atmospheres”!!) stuff going on. The verse coming in is a real strong melody. Instantly hummable. I like the “don’t let them stop you breaking free” too, as “Breakfree” is a nickname of Richard Anderson. Not sure if that was an Iron Maiden / Black Sabbath thing happening there, but I like it haha. Real catchy chorus here again. Sounds like Richard and Rob singing a block of harmonies together and another example of how well their voices blend. Some real tasty sax playing happening on this track too from Robin Wellaway – really adds to the mood of the song!! Almost triumphant perhaps? Works for me – Cool!!!

“Oblivion” – You know that stuff I was saying about the diversity of the album? This is where it kicks right in. HAVE to give it up here for Richard’s “Lemmy” vocal. Apparently there was a bit of ribbing in the studio along the lines of “I bet you can’t finish the song singing like that”, and Richard stepping up and kicking it!! Love it!!! Some nice harmonies on the chorus here. Not sure if it’s both guys or just Rob? Rocking though. Again they’re touching on some subject matter here. There’s even a rapping section among everything by MC Hizzy!!

“The Living Dead” – The dreaded “highballer” as the guys refer to them during recording I’m told!! Haha. That is the singing of a really high vocal part, ie “highballer”, which isn’t a favourite of Breakfree’s apparently!! This song has some REAL highballer stuff from Rob, with Richard backing him up underneath from what I hear. Is a pretty straight up melodic rocker with some tasty double tracked leads from Rob. Some nice bass fills here too!! Speaking of I really like what Matt is doing on the verses here against the riff. Really adds to it a lot!!

“Straightjackets” – Would love to know where the laughs came from at the start of this song, as I’m guessing they’re samples. Very cool with some humour thrown in for good measure! Among that you really get a sense of despair and insecurity from the lyric. Really like the little bass runs in the half time parts.

“State of Euphoria” – This is a beaut little track and was the first of three I ended up playing on. I remember being real impressed at the intro that Matt complemented so nicely with the bass, but this came after I had sent in my stuff for it. Circumstances meant I wasn’t gonna get much time to do my tracks for this one, and to my ears it shows a tiny little bit, but am still fairly happy with what I did – just that I couldn’t have done it better, but isn’t it always the way! As always I think our leads go together really well and compliment each other a lot.

“Once Bitten” – The mighty Kenny Killz introduces this song and then the boys proceed to rock pretty hard once again!! I really like that riff that leads the song in. Catchy catchy song!! Beaut long geetar solo fading this one out too, which is perfect for a guitarist like myself to review haha!! Awesome!!

“Legacy” – This is a real nice lyric and the song is another favourite from the album. Fantastic chorus on this one again!! In a better world any number of these songs would be played on regular joe radio. They’re definitely catchy enough! Must comment on the trading off with lead guitar and sax (Robin again) – what a combo!!! The guys really compliment each other and the playing is tasty all the way!!

“My Good Addiction” – Coming into this song it kinda reminds me of Satch a little bit – probably because that lick is similar to one in “Surfing with the Alien”. That isn’t a rip though, and I’m sure Rob is a fan!! I like the different angle to the lyrics. Apparently the writer wants to keep the specifics under wraps, so for that info, you’ll have to either ask him or guess.

“The Death of a Hero” – Not a bad little salute to Phil Lynott here who I know Richard is the biggest fan alive of!! Nice cruisy blues rocker with some nice backing vox as always. Infact the harmonies on both backing vocals and guitar also probably make this song a little bit different for a bluesy rocker, which I like!!

“Georgia Peach” – Haha you’ve gotta enjoy the humour on this one!! I’m not going to go there in this write up – will leave that to the lyricist, but this was another one of the tracks the guys had me play on, and I was pumped to be using a telecaster on this track cause I love them so much but so far have never owned one. Richard and Rob sound cool singing together – is a cool blend with their voices, while Matt is holding it down in fine form as always!!

“De Ja Vu” – This was the first snippet I had heard of the new stuff (excluding songs I played on of course), and I remember being real real excited at the vocal hook. Great song, and how can you not relate to the lyrics of this one!!

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Update – December 02, 2008!!!

Been recording tracks for another GONE WILD song that I’m told will be going on their 2nd album. The song is a real arse kicker, and has quickly become my all time favourite song of theirs. I used my Epiphone Les Paul and am stoked with the way it’s sounding.

On the note of my album, more progress since I blogged here about it. Got a seventh track completed. It’s called “Transition” and has probably my favourite guitar solo I’ve ever done on it, which oddly was recorded on a 2nd take as I was walking back to my seat in the control room and do the part properly!!

We also did most of the guitars on “First Blood” during that same visit, so we’re getting real close now to this thing being finished. Next tracking is likely to happen in Feb and March and hopefully that will be it altogether. Will keep you posted.

Anyway, just a quick one today – off to work I go.