Album review: SHADOWQUEEN – Living Madness

SHADOWQUEEN - Living Madness

[Release date 14.09.17]

Shadowqueen, from Melbourne, Australia, caught our ears in 2013 with their debut album ‘Don’t Tell’. Great vocals from Robbi Zana and piledriving riffs and an irresistible urgency characterised that debut and thankfully the band have retained all the key ingredients.

Here at GRTR! we receive a fair amount of female fronted rock – whether it’s the UK’s Skarlett Riot, Orestea or fellow Aussies Grand Hour. The one thing that sets them apart is usually the strength of the songwriting and/or the production values. Shadowqueen have no issues with either aspects: whether it’s feisty opener ‘Ruin Me’, the swagger of ‘Waiting On You’, an early single, or another album standout ‘Someday’.

Robbi’s looks and larynx may evoke P!NK but the overall appeal will be to lovers of Halestorm and Paramore but with a striking consistency that sometimes eludes more familiar names. The band line-up is completed by Si Hopman (guitar) and Alex Deegan (drums). The former in particular creates a full sonic platform for Robbi’s vocal flights and perhaps best demonstrated on ‘Tonight’.

It’s all fairly upbeat throughout and this lack of light and shade is perhaps the only critical observation (same with the debut). Now, with two excellent albums under their belts, all Shadowqueen need is a good support slot on a European tour to bring their infectious music to a wider audience. ****1/2

Review by David Randall

David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.

Album review (Don’t Tell, 2013]

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
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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)