Album review: THE IRONTOWN DIEHARDS – Linchpin

www.theirontowndiehards.com [Release date 08.11.19]

Second album from the Irontown Diehards who formed in 2014 and released their self-titled debut album in 2016. The band consists of Phil Dixon (vocals), Andrew Baxter (guitar), Mark McCallion (bass) and Eamon Lenehan (drums).

They certainly mix it up musically, be it the funky ‘Amelia’ or the catchy single ‘Ride’, which has a monster hook on it. One of the band’s key points are their use of harmonies throughout the album. These really add to the songs and give a melodic edge to an otherwise heavy song like ‘Alive’. It helps make their songs radio friendly and perfect for a wider musical audience.

Phil Dixon’s vocals don’t half remind me of Radio Exile’s Chandler Mogul, no bad thing in my book.

The Irontown Heroes are different as well from the current crop of nu breed classic rock bands with their poses and nicely tousled hair, which is a breath of fresh air and hopefully help them stand out from the crowd.

Self-released and they certainly have plenty of self-belief, the Irontown Diehards have an album in ‘Linchpin’ that should get them wider recognition. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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