Old School, English Rock at its best!
At first I thought I was in for another Distillers style album till I realised the front-man was just that, a front-man. I don't think a bloke should be able to sing that high - it's most disconcerting. That said, Lee Stone's voice is quite impressive. Stone has, according to Sebastian Bach, "...one mother-fucking voice!". This band plays good rock 'n roll with a slightly modern twist.
The music press have already picked up on Rattlesnake Remedy, writing blurbs with mentions of AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and other similar bands. If you think in these terms, yes, you'll get the right idea. This is a proper English Rock album for proper English rockers. There are no Glam touches, dodgy outfits or gimmicks here. With two guitarists, there is plenty of scope for some mean riffs and blistering solos, and we certainly get a lot of both throughout the album.
The album seems to contain a good mix of old school rock and mellow, acoustic tracks. There's a little bit of cowbell here and there, which should give you some more idea of what this band is like. The guitar, vocals and drum work on "Black Sheep Fiddle" are blistering and tight. "Drag you down" is another, happy cowbell rock song, played brilliantly. "Free to Feel" is a little slower, quieter and breaks up the pace of the album nicely.
"Paying my Dues" introduces us to a little harmonica playing from the front-man. The beat is solid and heavy, with some great dual guitar action. "Angels Eyes", as you might guess from the title, is a much slower, finger-picked love song. It's certainly nice to hear some variety. The chorusing and piano work in this track certainly give it a good body. "Freestyle" reminds me a lot of Led Zepp with its echoing guitars, slower pace and moody feeling. Definitely, one of the stronger tracks.
I get the impression that Rattlesnake Remedy are more of a live band. Given the obvious talent, passion for rock and roll and the various photos on their web-site, I feel that this band has more to offer in the flesh than on record. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this band, at least vocally, could best the current incarnation of Guns 'n Roses. Mr Stone is, at present, superior to Axl Rose. In a way, I feel this band has a lot to offer and will go far. In fact, looking at their tour diary, they already are.
This is a solid rock album. If you like your rock well performed, old school and with some guts then this is an album that wont disappoint.