Album review: JAMIE’S GUNS – Sex, Drugs & Weapons of War

Facebook [Release date 04.01.22]

This band was one of my lucky finds in 2021, when I spotted the debut self-titled album in the NWOCR Facebook group, and I have been sharing their music far and wide ever since, whilst eagerly anticipating the release of the follow up album. Well here it is and it is fair to say that I am not disappointed!

Opening with an instrumental, ‘Echoes’ which is all screaming guitar riffs, the tracks on the album continue as the debut album, to be split vocally between Cameron Russell and Gregory Wilson, which adds real depth and interest to the songs.

Initially I was leaning towards the songs with Gregory leading on vocals, but by the time I had listened enough to select my tracks, it’s a pretty even split and the diversity in vocals just adds to the quality of the album for me.

It is clear that this band have moved to a new level of maturity and established Jamie’s Guns unique sound – I would still classify it as gravelly, blues rock and I love it.

The foot tapping tempo is present from ‘Rollin’ Stone (lead vocal by Gregory Wilson) and continues throughout the album except for the ballad, ‘Land’ and ‘Epoch’ which is a short instrumental interlude that reminds me of Jean-Michel Jarre with drums. Again not a mainstream choice but adds interest and showcases Cameron’s talent on keys.

Sex, Drugs & Weapons of War contains poignant lyrics that we can all relate to ‘The Road’ (lead vocal by Cameron Russell) “I don’t know where I am going, I don’t know where I am supposed to be” and ‘Get Away’ – “I know I shouldn’t be the one in question” provides a lyrical backdrop for many a relationship breakdown, “so I can start over, just gotta get away”.

On ‘Sky High’ there is a distorted voice at the very beginning, this was picked up in a video recording of one of the band’s rehearsals when a guitar amp started picking up radio frequencies right before they started playing this song! The band decided it added interest and included the audio clip at the start of the song. I’d like to think it is some rocker who has shuffled off this earth, showing their approval!

The closing track ‘For You’ has real feeling about it, “Don’t you know, I did all that I could, yeh, I did it for you” and it leaves you wanting more.

My personal stand out tracks are ‘Anymore’, ‘Good n’Gone’, ‘The Road’, and ‘For You’ – but it was tough to choose, they’re all so good! I’ve listened to this album so many times, it is already a ‘go to; listen on my playlists.

Last year, this band confirmed my view that new rock bands are the future and the absolute life blood of rock. My opinion hasn’t changed. This band is going places. Give them a try, I’ll be surprised if you don’t find something you like in their material.

Jamie’s Guns are a little different in terms of style which, I hope, will gain them some airplay and the opportunity to tour. I have already added this album to my top choices of 2022 and I ask for no forgiveness for unashamedly, supporting and sharing this band, I’ll be eagerly waiting to see what comes next. *****

Review by Karen Clayton

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.

Next session: Sunday 19 January

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 1 December 2024.

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 3 December 2024.

How to Listen Live?

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

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

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