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 20 October 2024.
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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
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