So, it’s time to sit back and reflax….or maybe not. As I turn my stereo up I am attacked by one hell of an opening riff as The Heat start to show be that rock n roll ain’t dead yet! First track ‘The Roller’ is build around a really driving riff and some strong yet simple drums and bass and as the clear, strong vocal gallops into ear shot, it has a Queen feel to it. The vocalist has a really great wail and is smooth and comfortably letting his screaming, emotional voice wrap up the song in a blanket of rock n roll goodness. This is not just a classic rock cover band though, at times not only do the vocals have a grungy growl to them, but the guitars and drums also show signs of dirtier influences. With big choruses and crunchy riff-age, The Heat mix influences from classic rock bands like AC/DC and Thin Lizzy with a more edgy and punky style. After that initial blast of power, the first track becomes fairly predictable in terms of structure but it stays very catchy and upbeat, ending with a really obvious but still effective guitar solo before returning to the huge vocal hook. Second track ‘You Gotta Move’ builds a little slower, with a simple riff reminding me a little of The Jam but then as the vocal breaks in it once again has all the marks of classic rock n roll and hair metal. The Heat’s music is build on simple foundations but with fun, powerful melodies. The backing vocals on this second track could be higher in the mix to give it more power but it’s again a classic pop rock song with a catchy hook and vocal patterns and strong repetitive structures. ‘Young Guns’ like the first track has a really catchy guitar riff to start it off and it has an Aerosmith feel to it with the vocalist once more showing a talent for the controlled passionate scream. The Heat are a solid and fun band that should appeal to a wide audience and I am sure their live shows are a lot of fun but they are still nothing new really. They manage to mix all the best bits of Pop Rock from the last 40 years and make a hybrid of rock n roll, mainstream punk, indie and glam with some catchy riffs and cheeky guitar solos thrown in for good measure.
Review by Gaz
