Attending a recent gig at The Station Cannock, I encountered this local band from Staffordshire, who surprised me with their brand of thunder striking rock. They had returned after a short hiatus, to continue their upwards journey, because in the last 2 years, they have jolted eyebrows and been awarded some major support slots. I did comment in a recent review for them, that there was talk of an EP and low and behold I was sent a copy soon afterwards. Let’s dig into the 5 tracks and see what all the fuss is about.
ACID REIGN – The opening track is like a game of 2 halves. Beginning with churning riffs, that sound like they emerge from the grave, the vocals of Mick Hatton spew with acid, inflicting a sense of wrath, befitting the title. Then the tempo softens with a post grunge melody, however the axes are already being re-sharpened. Guitar strings are shredded by Leigh Gittus and Sam Wilkins as the fury descends and the song is mashed with the two opposing forces.
NEVER APOLOGISE – Next up is the thought provoking and recent single ‘Never Apologise’. As the lyrics ‘What’s Coming Next To Kill Me’ and ‘You Base Your Morals On The Shit You’re Sold’, utter from Mick, there’s a message of dissidence confronting subjects we’re now familiar with. Fronting a brutal but significant melody, the words come with no hesitation. Grinding frets and there’s an underlying rhythm by Gaz Morgan on bass and drummer Az Grant, that levels it up. It’s one that gets more addictive by the second. Watch the outstanding music video below and please subscribe while you’re there !
THE ABYSS – The twin guitars rotate on a forceful and sinister hook, before the vocals come in. As the title suggests, this isn’t a romantic ballad, no far from it. Dark and brooding, with Gaz’s bass taking the slack, it’s relentless and disturbingly solid. Mick releases gutteral lyrics while the slow and moody tempo is finally washed clean with another dose of rapid shreds. So much packed in this track and they can switch the noise levels quick and easily to produce something different and quite slick.
THE FIRST – This is more unruffled and shows how the singer can change his style to accompany the unbelievably cool guitar licks. It’s the track that stands out for me, there’s a raising melody and a classic rock approach. Again the writing is incredible and it just soars with so much pleasurable harmony. You can sample this ear candy below, as it was their first music video.
VOICES – More resonant chords before the onslaught, yes Mick is unleashed again, to deliver his ferocious and persistent growls. It’s another twist in the tale, as it’s not as ominous as ‘The Abyss’, but has similar layers of friction. This song has lashings of intricate callings and the menace is still there, remaining at the core with the strings taking on multiple tasks. It goes out like a ghostly exorcism, deliverance in the final notes.
Credit – Justin Diss
This band write songs with meaning, usually taking on the problems faced in today’s society like crime, drug abuse and mental health. But the way they disperse those messages are fresh and full of originality. Each of the 5 tracks are notably different and their style is unpredictable, keeping you on your toes. The Dead list are still in their infancy, but are attracting attention and are on the rise. They are supporting ‘Discharge’ back at the Station on August 31st and appearing at Mearfest in Nuneaton the day before. They also head to the SOS Festival in Oldham next year,
This is one band I can predict with certainty, that have a massive future ahead of them.
The Dead List are – Mick Hatton – Vocals. Leigh Gittus – Guitar/Vocals. Sam Wilkins – Guitar. Gaz Morgan – Bass. Az Grant – Drums
THE DEAD LIST EP was recorded by Owen Davies at Loud Noises Production Studio.
The streaming launch on August 16TH will be accompanied by a run of limited numbered CD’s.
To preorder from Bandcamp or presave on Spotify, head over to thedeadlist.co.uk
The band are actively booking further shows for the remainder of 2024 and into 2025 with several appearances due to be confirmed shortly.
The Dead List can be contacted at deadlistband@gmail.com for any booking enquiries
They will return to the studio in 2025 to commence work on their full length album, due for release at a later date
SOCIALS –
Band Photo Credit – Justin Diss of All Your Moments
Thanks to Sam Wilkins and The Dead List
