I was a fan of the sadly defunct, Psychobabylon after seeing them in Blackpool at the Waterloo’s Rockforce festival, a few years ago. Little did I know that I would later become friends with drummer Andy Knott, (who kindly sent me this new recording). From the demise of that fearless outfit and the Newcastle based ‘Drama Club Rejects’, rises a new band ’Dragstrip Guns’, with Andy, guitarist Stesh, Mark Whittaker on bass and Robbie Gray providing vocals and rhythm guitar. Already seen supporting the likes of Marc Valentine and The L.A. Maybe, these last few months they’ve been busy writing and rehearsing, with the end product being this six track EP ‘Hearts On Fire’.
The opening track is a sweet plea from Robbie, the frontman asking when will he ’See You Again’. High vocals with clarity, drums offering a kickstart beat and guitars strummed in perfect cohesion, this is the sound of Dragstrip Guns. The title offering, ’Hearts On Fire’ raises quite a few bars, Robbie reminds me of James Bradfield (Manic Street Preachers) as the words are uttered with similar fiery refinement. The song certainly has a spirit as it jostles along, superb listening. ‘Million Miles Away’ is lovingly wild and dangerous, the harmonies added to the more ferocious lyrics are only drowned, when Stesh provides miraculous screams from his guitar. The melody flows on ‘Live Out Your Dream’ but there’s an increase of fierce punching, that gives the track a street wise character. I like the way all is let loose, as it glides into the last few bars, punk ’n’ roll at it’s best. ‘Rock n Roll Is Dead’ I think the song answers that, if it’s at all questionable. Another that belts along with strength and resounding dynamics. The non-stop mash of guitars and the constant bass from Mark, pile up and crash before us, brilliant stuff. As we reach the ‘End of The Line’ fittingly the last of the six, the singing is shared between Robbie and Stesh, rebounding off the backing vocals. More slapping gritty tones, mixed with stunning bass lines, make it a perfect finish.
Well, hold on to your hats, scarves and eyeliner, because if this EP is anything to go by, we are in for some more seriously wicked and entertaining nights with the Dragstrip Guns. If surprisingly, you are still debating or undecided, follow them on Facebook and have a listen to this amazing record.
The HEARTS ON FIRE EP is available now on Bandcamp HERE
‘Vocals with clarity, drums offering a kickstart beat and guitars strummed in perfect cohesion, this is the sound of Dragstrip Guns’.
Highlights – Hearts On Fire , Live Out Your Dream.
DRAGSTRIP GUNS are Robbie G – Vocals/Guitar. Stesh – Guitar/ Vocals. Mark Whittaker – Bass/Backing Vocals. Andy Knott – Drums
EP Artwork – Traci Heaslewood
DRAGSTRIP GUNS – FACEBOOK
Post Note – I adore the UK bands who produce such endearing slices of both sleaze and punk these days, yes, there are still plenty about. At a recent ‘Sleaze’ festival in Sheffield, where the overseas acts were absent due to the pandemic, I was amazed at the level and abundance, of our homegrown bands in this genre. Many, like the guys from Dragstrip Guns are lifelong friends and have played in numerous bands together over the years, this builds not only experience and dexterity, but often sees them intermingling on stage, jamming as mates do, with no ego’s and plenty of ad-libs, giving us a party atmosphere like no other.
