Album review: BITE THE BULLET – Black & White

Escape Music [Release date 27.11.20]

Bite The Bullet were originally formed in 1986 by singer songwriter Mick Benton and drummer Graham Cowling (who are also the only two musicians on this album) and they released their debut album in 1989. It failed to make much of an impact, also live wise fate was against them too as a support slot with ELO was cancelled.

Benton and Cowling remained friends and they still played in pubs and clubs over the years which brings their story up to 2019 when their debut was reissued on CD. Both found the impetus to write new music which led to recording ‘Black & White’, their second album.

Songs like the funky AOR of ‘Last Chance Radio’ and ‘The Lonely Road’ would have been all over the airwaves back in the 80’s. They do rock out at times as can be heard on ‘Rocks To Stones’, a memorable melodic rocker.

Mick Benton has a lovely, smooth vocal which is really highlighted on ‘Starlight’, where one assumes he added the lush backing vocals too.

Two bands they really remind of are the Outfield and Mr Mister. All three bands know how to pen a good melody and catchy chorus. For these artists melody is king and rightly so.

Bite The Bullet have stayed true to their original sound which may not be falvour of the month, but will always find an audience with fans of melodic rock.

If you are after polished AOR meets pop rock, Bite The Bullet hits the target. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
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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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