Album review: SHADOWQUEEN – Don’t Tell
Bad Reputation [Release date 13.05.13]
I realised recently – and unplanned – that the first half-hour of my weekly radio show was made up of several Aussie acts, including Tracer and original AC/DC vocalist Dave Evans. Along with bands like a re-energized Airbourne there’s almost a rock renaissance going on down under. And then of course there’s Adelaide-born Orianthi…
Shadowqueen were also part of that Antipodean radio action, a Melbourne-based trio centred around singer (and bass player) Robbi Zana and guitarist Si Hopman. The Aussies certainly know a thing or two about riff rock and from the get-go this is an engaging and rollercoaster ride of fist-pumping attitude.
Robbi’s vocals are excellent throughout (It’s a she, by the way). Lovers of bands like Halestorm and Hydrogyn and even older stagers like Doro and Joan Jett via Girlschool will find much to like here. Throughout, I was drawn back to the vibe on Alanis Morissette’s ‘You Oughta Know’: it’s here in spades.
The band really get into their stride on tracks like ‘Any Other Day’, ‘What You Want’ and ‘Bruised’. Robbi’s evidently a talented lady, playing piano on the short riff-respite – ‘Prelude To Silence’ – showing that there is light and shade in them there hills. And this is further evidenced on ‘Karma’.
I’ve no doubt this band will gain a younger following and are mining a popular niche at the moment (female-fronted hard rock). It’s an increasingly crowded space, but on the basis of their debut Shadowqueen could become one of the main contenders. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 14 April 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 29 April 2024
BRIGITTE PURDY Sugar Fried Candy (Dirtshack Records)
ATTIC THEORY The Legacy (indie)
THE HOWLERS I Need Your Love (indie)
VELVETEEN QUEEN Bad Reputation (indie)
WILLS AND THE WILLING Scuffed Knees (Smash & Grab Music Ltd)
READY THE PRINCE Still Believe (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 29 April 2024
09:00-12:00 PRAYING MANTIS Defiance (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023
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