News: Albums of the Month (April 2021 – June 2021)

SMITH KOTZEN (Adrian Smith, Richie Kotzen)

Adrian Smith (Iron Maiden) and Richie Kotzen (Poison, Mr Big, Winery Dogs) have pitted their combined guitaring and songwriting skills to fashion nine tracks of pure unadulterated hard rock heaven. ****1/2

Review by David Randall

THE DUST CODA Mojo Skyline (Earache Records)

You can hear influences of Led Zeppelin amongst others, with Drake’s vocals reminiscent of Plant in his heyday on ‘I Have Been Waiting’ (magnificent heavy bassline and thumping riffs) and ‘Rolling’ – the Dust Coda have certainly earned their place in the new wave of classic rock hall of fame – long may it continue, these are exciting times for new rock music! *****

Review by Karen Clayton

TRUCKER DIABLO Tail End Of A Hurricane (indie)

Trucker Diablo have used their lockdown time well and have produced an album that is uplifting and hard rocking in equal measure. The band’s previous albums have shown that their love of harmony and melody coupled with huge riffs is a winning formula and here they have captured the spirit that has prevailed over the past year into 13 tracks.

‘The Big Truck Keeps On Rolling’ should be a metaphor for the resilience of society in the face of the pandemic and this juggernaut shows no signs of stopping! *****

Review by Dave Wilson

THE JOHN WILLIAMS SYNDICATE Out Of The Darkness (Wulfrun Records)

‘Out Of Darkness’ counterbalances poppy familiarity with stylistic diversity. Everything is consistently shot through with glistening harmonies, poppy hooks and the primacy of the song.

It’s one of those albums that finds you muttering to yourself: I’m not really into pop-rock, but I like this very much. ****

Review by Pete Feenstra

IAN McNABB Utopian (indie)

Double albums often see artists come unstuck with either a lack of decent songs to fill four sides/two discs, or indulging too much at melody’s expense. No need to worry on ‘Utopian’ as Ian McNabb shows no sign of dropping his high quality control on his songs. Fans will love this and if you have yet to enjoy the musical world of Mr McNabb here is a perfect opportunity to do so.

An album of the year with ease. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

TIMO TOLKKI’S AVALON The Enigma Birth (Frontiers)

A handful of tracks lift the album into the world of Tolkki’s grandiose, pomp peppered metal. ‘Truth’, ‘Another Day’, ‘Beauty And War’ are theatrical pieces, punctuated by rushing, thick cut riffs, speeding, dancing keyboards and a pounding percussive beat.

Tolkki once again shows his command of orchestral and chorale arrangements … rhythms sway, strings swoop, and harmonies soar. One minute, the music is delicate and restrained, the next it’s blazing with passionate vocals, most notably from Jake E and Marina LaTorraca. ****1/2

Review by Brian McGowan

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 6 April 2025.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast on 8 April 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 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)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

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