Wearing inspirations and musical passions on their sleeve, whilst creating fresh and riotous stomps for all, is Akron, Ohio rockers L.A. Knights. Certainly that is the case with their new album Psychoanalyze, a riot of rock ‘n’ roll that only wants to, and unstoppably does, party. Embracing rock sounds from the past handful of decades onwards into their tenacious brew of hard rock, L.A. Knights prove to be a band which replaces major surprises within their sound with honest, balls swinging creative energy and passion; a quality which simply leaves satisfaction full to bursting.
L.A. Knights began in 2011, formed by Jozey who was the bartender and manager of The Bunker, a bar where rock band Bang Tango was booked to play a show. The lead guitarist brought together the first line-up of L.A. Knights to support the LA headliners that night; it subsequently continuing as a covers band inspired by the likes of Mötley Crüe and Guns N’ Roses from there. As the chemistry within the band grew, Jozey was reluctantly persuaded by vocalist Dave Fanz to explore the writing of their own material, a venture quickly producing fan impressing results. Since then, the band has shared stages with the likes of Faster Pussycat, Jackyl, Bullet Boys, L.A. Guns, Cinderella and many others, a success matched by debut album Rubber City Meltdown, whose regional triumph led LA Knights to the attention of, and signing with, Chicago label Independent Ear. Now, the quintet is poised to wake up stronger and broader attention with their April released Psychoanalyze.
The album opens up with Are You Ready and immediately stirs ears with thumping beats and voracious rhythms matched in imposing kind by riffs. As quickly as it hits its robust stride, so the enterprise of Jozey and rhythm guitarist Jeff Curry unveils rich enticement as they embrace the vocal incitement of Fanz. The song’s question is swiftly answered by feet and energy as it proceeds to further reveal a resourceful bassline from Troy Poder amidst the rapier like swings of drummer Michael Gallagher, as melodies and sonic tempting collude around them.
From one highly infectious anthemic persuasion to another in the tenacious shape of Dance. Early on a spicy groove has the appetite on board whilst the feisty rumble of rhythms backed by group shouts arouses body and spirit. The guitarists only add to the healthy persuasion as choice riffs and hooks become embroiled with the craft and imagination of Jozey’s sonic endeavours. As the first, the track is a spark to unbridled revelry, a boisterous party which continues as the album’s title track growls and prowls ears next. Though a less demanding proposal, the song matches its predecessors in prime catchiness, backing their impressive start with its own thoroughly enjoyable presence before Devil On My Heels reveals its classic rock prowess. Featuring Tim “Ripper” Owens, the song bristles and growls as it links some addiction forging hooks and melodic flames with a great union of vocals.
L.A. Knights continue to share a variety of rock ‘n’ roll hues; the blues tinged air of For The Girls a rebel rousing declaration whilst Tattooed and Scarred offers an even more colourful hug of acoustic and sultry blues rock enticement. Both songs, as indeed the album, grow in presence and enjoyment with every listen; the second especially galvanic even with its mellower character compared to songs like the fiery and sweaty Trainwreck and the hair metal roar of That Girl. Both tracks are undiluted and unfussy rock ‘n’ roll offering an invention of bold hooks and descriptive melodies that simply captivate ears and imagination.
As suggested earlier, the band’s sound is less concerned with re-inventing the rock wheel then providing listeners with a rebellious and incendiary time which both Time Wounds and Whiskey Drinking Fool more than deliver on. The first is hot bed of classic metal strikes within an equally nostalgic heavy rock thunder whilst its successor simply turns the temperature up to furnace and uncages a volcanic slab of dirty, liquor incited rock ‘n’ roll. Both the tracks leave the body alive and exhausted, and in hungry mode for the closing treat of a cover of The Beatles’ Hard Days Night. Quite simply L.A. Knights infuse it with adrenaline and punkish contagion to create a great end to an increasingly enjoyable album.
Psychoanalyze will not persuade you that L.A. Knights is going to take metal ‘n’ roll to new places or bold creative heights, but it will convince that the band is one hell of a incitement for a salacious rumble/party or two.
Psychoanalyze will be released April 8th via Independent Ear with pre-ordering available now @ http://www.independentear.com/store/la-knights-psychoanalyze-pre-order
https://www.facebook.com/LA.Knights.Band http://twitter.com/@laknights16
Pete RingMaster 08/03/2016
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