Album review: THE BALLADMONGRELS – Trouble

May 3rd, 2023 by jason

Cargo/Livewire [Release date 12.05.23]

Whether it be his work with the Dogs D’Amour, his solo albums or here in new project The Balladmongrels, there is a warmth and familiarity to the vocals of Tyla J Pallas, a man whose lyrics are better described as stories wrapped up in song.

“Trouble” is the debut album from the aforementioned Balladmongrels, the collaboration between Tyla and Northern Irish singer songwriter Matty James Cassidy that was formed during the pandemic period, and the blend of raw guitars, those distinctive vocals and the feeling of red wine and Guinness in the air is one to behold.

From the raucous opener that is “Ballad of The Knucklemen”, to “Swingin’ Jack” and “Highwayman Blues”, which is the exact sound I had imagined for this album, and onto my personal highlights on the album “Warship” and “Under The Moon”, this is an album that demands the lowering of the lights and the poring of a large bourbon.

There are touches of Thin Lizzy, The Rolling Stones and a healthy dose of the Dogs D’Amour throughout the ten tracks on “Trouble” but it is the blend of vocals and guitar playing of Pallas and Cassidy that is the overall pull to the album. Looking forward to seeing these songs performed live. ****

Review by Nikk Gunns

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