Reviews

ROLLINGEXILE – HARDLINE


ROLLINGEXILE – HARDLINE

  1. Running
  2. When You Lie
  3. Down The Road
  4. The Hardline
  5. Frisco
  6. I Sit and I Wonder
  7. That Sign
  8. Good Morning London
  9. Zero Hour
  10. Rolling Home
  11. All My Life
  12. Tell Me I’m Wrong
  13. These Days (Transatlantic)
  14. Stacey (Transatlantic)

Following on from the highly acclaimed 2013 release “Exile” ROLLINGEXILE have stayed true to form with the new album “Hardline”

Boasting 14 tracks, “Hardline” is a breath of fresh air in today’s over-sampled and fickle music industry. It is an album that showcases the beauty of melody and word and reveals just how meaningful a four minute song can be. There are several guest appearances on the album including Joe Kash from Bad Mother Earth, Alessio Garavello and Andrea Lonardi from A New Tomorrow. “Hardline” was produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Alessio Garavello and recorded at Rogue Studios London, Quays Studio London and Downtown Studios CT USA. The album is respectfully dedicated to Thin Lizzy legend Phillip Parris Lynott.

“Hardline” opens with the exceptionally strong “Running” This was the first track I had ever heard by ROLLINGEXILE and I loved it from the first listen. The opening drum beat is soon joined by acoustic guitar as each other instrument is gently introduced to us and fills our ears with a tune that is both vibrant and yet, forlorn. Vocalist Charlie’s voice sounds amazing as he pleads “Don’t let me go”. There is a real goose-bump moment at around the 3:10 mark when the backing vocals put their arms around you and give you a big hug …. pure magic..

when the backing vocals put their arms around you and give you a big hug

“When You Lie” reminds me so much of Roger McGuinn. It is a delightful track that harks back to The Byrds at their best. “Down The Road” finds the band in a more philosophical mood as they ponder the future of a relationship without making the mistakes of the past. “The Hardline” is next and it hits you in the face as Charlie blasts out his vocal accompanied by glorious acoustic strumming and some excellent rhythmic drumming from the talented Miranda Gonzaga . The bass playing is very notable on the Reggae inspired “Frisco” which is very reminiscent of early Police. The band get laid back as the heavenly track flows while the story unveils.   

The band get laid back as the heavenly track flows while the story unveils.   

“I Sit and Wonder” is a lament to a memory, a love song about a person or a place? You decide? This track was originally to have an intro and outro talk- over by the late great Phillip Lynott. Unfortunately this wasn’t to be. The track is wonderfully moving none the less. “That Sign” has a warmingly, subtle chorus and again, is played with a flowing grace that will have you smiling to yourself as you move your head to the sound. “Good Morning London” picks up the pace a little with a lively upbeat sing along chorus. “Zero Hour” slows the proceedings down again with more of the heart touching acoustic playing that is becoming synonymous with this album. “Rolling Home” is Johnny Cash meets Bob Dylan in a country-esque charge to the finish. Tommy Brundage guests superbly here  on harmonica.”All My Life” again follows the ‘write an alluringly pleasing song and play it well’ brief. It contains some seriously tender vocals and an engaging melody.

again follows the ‘write an alluringly pleasing song and play it well’ brief.

The levels get turned up for the last three tracks as the band rocks it out. “Tell Me I’m Wrong” is a great classic rock number that includes some awesome guitar solos and a true ‘rock n roll’ ending. The final two tracks “These Days” and “Stacey” are re recorded workings of tracks from the previous album “Exile” Featuring Charlie Hallinan’s brother Hugh on drums. “These Days” also has a guest appearance by guitarist Chuck Beckman.

“Hardline” is one of those albums that you will want to play again and again. It has dreamy, well played and very well structured songs that draw you in. It is the type of record that you will cherish as you insist on playing it to your friends, and they will thank you for it. It is the kind of record that you will play to yourself to just close your eyes, relax and escape.

It is the kind of record that you will play to yourself to just close your eyes, relax and escape.

Pete Devine April 2017 Pete’s Rock News and Views .com

 

ROLLINGEXILE links:
Band/Artist location – London England
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