Album review: JACK J HUTCHINSON – Battles

Website [Release date 09.02.24]

Jack J Hutchinson is back with another jam packed album full of riffs, hard rocking blues and catchy choruses.

‘Battles’ is produced & co-written with Josiah J Manning (Kris Barras Band, Inglorious), with fellow Kris Barras Band member Billy Hammett on drums. Hutchinson has kept the power trio format that has worked so well in the past and continues to so on ‘Battles’.

“Working with Josiah was an eye-opener,” Hutchison enthuses, “he encouraged me to write meaningful lyrics more upliftingly and that’s what this new music is. It felt like unlocking who I am as an artist.”

‘Days Are Gone’ is one of 2024′s songs of the year. It is top notch, melodic hard rock and should be all over rock radio and beyond. Shades of Zakk Wylde riffing on ‘Constellations’, a song that has real grit, both in the lyrics and the music.

‘Bullets’ and ‘Rip It Up’ were two of the four songs released ahead of the album (the other two were ‘Constellations’ and ‘Days Are Gone’). Both are instant-on-the-ears blues based rockers that feature plenty of guitar and a driving rhythm section.

Jack J Hutchinson has struck a seam of musical gold working with Josiah J Manning. The whole album is enjoyable, however, the ballad and album closer ‘Stay With Me’, show how far Hutchinson has progressed musically. From the vocals through to the harmonies and subtle guitar, this song screams class.

It maybe only February but we already have an album here in ‘Battles’ that will be on repeat play for many and a strong contender for best of 2024 lists (yes I know we’ve only just done 2023 ones!). ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

Gig review (February 2024)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

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)