Album review: JONNY COLA & THE A-GRADES – Spitfire

[Release date 09.09.13] www.theagrades.net

Second album by Jonny Cola & the A-Grades who have already released the superb single ‘Straight To Video’, which is included on here. That single recalled such greats as Mott The Hoople and this album is a smorgasbord of varying influences topped off by the distinctive vocals of Jonny Cola (David Bowie by way of Suede’s Brett Anderson) .

‘In The Woods’ bounds out of the speakers like a frisky pup, whilst ‘Tropical Beach’ conjures up UK surf music and listen out for the Beach Boy approved harmonies towards the end of the song. I’ve already raved about the single ‘Straight To Video’, save to say it is the stand out song on a very strong set of songs.

‘Sunset/Sunrise’ is a lovely ballad, it shimmies and sways musically and the other slow number is ‘Out Of The Woods’, bizarrely reminded me of the Moody Blues (mainly in the string backing) and the Divine Comedy. A real delight on the listener’s ears building to an epic finish.

It’s about time we had a glam revival to blow to brighten things up and Jonny Cola & the A-Grades can lead the charge. Songs to relate to and melodies to brighten the drabbest room, this is one gem of an album.

****1/2

Jason Ritchie

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

IZZY REIGN Spooky Scary Skeletons (FiXT)
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)