The third studio album from this East Midlands band entitled ‘Kicking Up A Storm’, is on the shelves in late September. If you haven’t heard of ‘BlitZ’ then may I introduce one of the hardest working bands on the circuit. Whatever time they play, usually late in the night, they never fail to rock the rafters and get everyone singing along. Their style of unabated rock and roll stems back from their love of Kiss, Queen and those glam outfits of the seventies. That devotion providing the bones and fire for every BlitZ song, that explode and erupt with fury. Since 2015 when bassist and vocalist Stuart Corden teamed up with guitarist Kevin Simpson and drummer Mat Davis, the BlitZ army has grown immensely and we now see the guys playing practically non-stop throughout the year. If you were at Savfest 2023, recently and lovingly coerced into joining the video recording at midnight, you will know exactly what I mean.
‘Breakneck’ was the first single to be released off the album and is a showstopper with merit. Heavy riffing from Kev and those trademark growls from Stuart lead us along only dismantling with some moshable chords towards the end. ‘Shell Shocked’ also a single, rolls into view like a dust storm. With a sticky rhythm and a chorus grinding away the layers, ‘Left me a note, Said you were fun to stroke, Call me anytime’ it’s sexy and provocative with a capital P. ‘C.O.G’ is more of a stable chug with ever scratchier vocals and a chance to howl those ‘Whoas’ along with Stu. If you are a BlitZ fan, you may recall ‘Keep Moving On’ from last year. A song that has a sound roaring back from the years when Status Quo and ‘Motley Crue’ were in their prime, giving us similar tokens of magic, it’s a classy piece oozing nostalgia. ‘We are The Power’ rumbles in a similar direction while ‘Addicted To Corruption’ takes an even mightier stand. Both clicking all the BlitZ boxes with punchy lyrics, cool guitar licks and Mat’s unfurling and precise sticks.
The third single and ballad ‘I’ll Find You In Yesterday’ is a poignant number and dedicated to the recently lost ‘Mark Evason and ’Tina Sherwood’. Kev also plays piano on this beautifully crafted song, which is about how we find so many friends through music and visit places we wouldn’t otherwise go to when seeing our favourite bands. The video below uses photos sent to the guys by fans, capturing some of their best ‘Rock’ moments.
‘Freddie Said’ is set to be the next single released on what would have been Freddie’s 77th birthday, September 5th. As I mentioned, it’s no secret that ‘BlitZ’ are huge Queen fans and this track is to honour everything the legendary Mr Mercury gave us. Watch out for the video that was filmed by Jay Hillyer, around the date. The melodic ‘Hesitate’ has entangled vibes of ‘Cheap Trick’ and ‘Mott The Hoople’. I love the way BlitZ can re-create these classic sounds and fit them into their own package. The eponymous song is left to last and it’s the mother of all coda’s. After a soothing intro, Kev’s strings are finely tuned and the vocals by Stu are resplendent. Crushing all in its path, this is a dynamic and enthralling piece of work and brings the album to a stupendous finish.
An album to be proud of, each track has character and the running order is perfect. Well thought out and capturing the band’s adhering nature, ‘Kicking Up A Storm’ is remarkably impressive and makes BlitZ contenders for album of the year, as many rivals are simply out paced.
‘Kicking Up A Storm’ is remarkably impressive and makes BlitZ contenders for album of the year, as many rivals are simply out paced’.
HIGHLIGHTS – Shell Shocked, Keep Moving On, I’ll Find You In Yesterday, Kicking Up A Storm.
Kicking Up A Storm was recorded at Axis Studio Doncaster by Matt Elliss. And will be out on Shock Records Via Vanity Music Group on September 22nd. 10 brand new studio songs all written and performed by BLITZ. Album comes in a Jewel case cd , a 10 page full colour booklet with lyrics and new artwork by Big Dave Hurst.
Or download Kicking Up A Storm via the Bandcamp app, all orders shipping out on or around the release date.
Keep up to date with the band on their socials –
