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Silver Lining Music [Release date 07.06.24]
Grand Slam co-founding member Laurence Archer, and front man Mike Dyer, make it extraordinarily clear that theirs has been a true journey of destiny, one where early unions ended up leaving unfinished business on the table, and one which sees Grand Slam releasing a brand-new album ‘Wheel Of Fortune’.
“I want everybody to see this as a new band… and anybody that hasn’t heard Grand Slam since 1984, I want them to see this as a fresh invigoration of the project moving into the modern times.” – Laurence Archer
Joined by Benjy Reid on drums and Rocky Newton on bass, some best laid plans for the band’s rebirth were set for take-off until Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill (it is one of the main reasons ‘Hit The Ground’ will also be enjoying a 2024 release alongside ‘Wheel Of Fortune’).
“We have a direction that is in my heart. It’s a tribal place. This band is something very special; I’m slightly biased I know, but God, I’m really proud of that.” – Mike Dyer
‘Wheel Of Fortune’ is a testimony to both Archer’s songwriting architecture and Dyer’s powerful love of language:
“The way I look at it is that from writing those songs with Phil in 1984 to now, my writing style and the way I write, haven’t really changed that much,” offers Archer. “I’m not a shredder, I prefer to write songs and build that way. So, there’s that timeless continuity in how I write, fusing with all the experiences we’ve had as people over the years.
I put the basis of the song together, I have a rough melody line, I might write the chorus line, and I give that to Mike who goes away and comes back with his thing: it’s not my thing, it’s his thing and it just works! His vocal tone – his ability – fits everything that I write.”
Wheel Of Fortune Track by track:
‘There Goes My Heart’
Opening intro is classic thin Lizzy riffs then the gravelly vocals kick in and you know it’s grand slam, sing along rock with sublime guitar work, if this sets the tone then we are in for classic accomplished rock
‘Starcrossed Lovers’
“You need me & I wanted you”
Upbeat feel good rock (first) love song, the chorus is catchy, lending itself to a singalong.
“Forever we will be starcrossed lovers”
‘Come Together (In Harlem)’
Heavier opening promises a harder track.
Good harmonisation adds further depth and the guitar solo balances it perfectly.
I like the vocal overlay on this track showcases Mike Dyer’s vocal abilities and demonstrates a different style and a band that are not afraid to blend old with new!
Now I feel this album is really getting going
‘Trail Of Tears’
“Now they came without shame or good intentions” the opening lyric sets the tone for a song with a message. The vocals compliment the clever story telling, tight, highly accomplished classic musicianship – a blinder of a track and one of my favourites on the album.
‘Feeling Is Strong (Jo’s Song)’
This ballad delivers a rock punch, whilst clearly an ode to a lost for love, the lyrics are crafted to deliver a tribute that many would envy.
‘Spitfire ’
This is fast paced heavy rock tribute to those fearless pilots – album launch comes just after the 80th anniversary of D-Day, I’m sure this song will resonate with many. Love it! “Living, breathing, Spitfire!”
Another highlight of the album.
‘I Wanna Know!’
From the opening vocal roar this fast paced, gutsy track showcases the new style of Grand Slam.
“Nothing come easy, love comes hard”
‘Pirate Bay Song’
Just when I think the album can’t get better, this starts & it’s fantastic, talk about lulling you into a false sense of security and then punching you firmly in the face!
‘Afterlife’
Another track demonstrating clearly the great partnership between Archer & Dyer. Perfect showcase of every element of the band. This new direction is simply put, brilliant and worthy of acknowledgment. Track of the album.
‘Wheel Of Fortune’
This is the title track and it finishes off the album perfectly, acoustic and electric guitars deliver, with perfect rhythmic beat- what a treat this has been, classic, nostalgic and perfection rolled into one.
Initially I’ll confess I was underwhelmed by the opening track, it sounded classic Thin Lizzy and nothing new, but as the album goes on the tracks get better and better, the new different direction is showcased with nods to the past and rightly so, the legacy is legendary.
It’s an absolute belter and I’ll be playing this loud and proud, as should you! Unfinished business indeed, let’s hope this is the re-start of something truly great – I look forward to hearing more. ****
Review by Karen Clayton
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
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BASTION ROSE (Epictronic Records)
VOODOO RAMBLE Midnight Ride (indie)
BYWATER CALL As If (indie)
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DEFENCES Gold In The Dark (indie)
BRAVE RIVAL Fairytale (indie)
MOJO ACES Old Crow (indie)
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09:00-12:00 NESTOR Teenage Rebel (Napalm Records)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 MIRACLE MILE East Of Ely (indie)
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