Album review: DICTATOR SHIP – Your Favourites

The Sign Records [Release date 17.04.20]

This is the debut album from Swedish rockers Dictator Ship and over the course of 27 minutes the guys set out to entertain with retro rock from a bygone age. The band have produced an album that wouldn’t have been out of place in a hippy commune back in the late 60’s or early 70’s. Don’t take this as a bad thing though as the guys have obviously been influenced by the best that era had to offer.

The album was even recorded on an old mixing desk which adds to the atmosphere and gives the album a raw, live vibe. Opener ‘In The Heat Of The Night’ sets the stall out well with great guitar work and strong vocals, this is rock n roll made to make you dance along!

‘Savage’ proves to be just that with a full pelt riff that drives on the track whilst ‘Good Thing Gone Bad’ sounds like it could have featured on the debut album from Kiss. As well as Kiss there are also elements of Jimi Hendrix, Free and even early Elton John throughout the album, however all tracks are Dictator Ship originals.

‘Just For Fun’ could be the band’s strapline and is another track which will have you looking for the nearest dance floor. The Kiss influence is again evident on the slower ‘Eat The Poor’ before ‘Gunner Man’ fires off in a hail of off beat drumming and great riffs.

The catchily titled ‘From The Womb To The Tomb’ rounds off the album with another fast paced rocker replete with great harmonies and melodies to bring a smile to your face.

This is an excellent debut album from the band and one that deserves an audience. Do yourself a favour and let Dictator Ship fill your head with the authentic sounds of the early 70’s, you won’t be disappointed.

****

Review by Dave Wilson

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SMALL TOWN POLITICS Red Lights (indie)

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14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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