Album review: TUK SMITH & THE RESTLESS HEARTS – Rogue To Redemption

Gypsy Rose Records [Release date 30.08.24]

Second album by Tuk Smith & the Restless Hearts, who are fronted by ex-Biters frontman Tuk Smith.

Produced by Tuk and mixed by Chris Dugan (Green Day, Iggy Pop, U2), the album was written over the last three years but recorded down to the wire – right up to the summer of this year. Tuk is joined by long-term Restless Hearts members drummer Nigel Dupree and bassist Matthew ‘Ponyboy’ Curtis. Most of the album was recorded by Tuk at his home.

“I want to do something that means something to people,” Tuk says, “because a lot of shit nowadays is so disposable and so plastic. I just don’t connect with that. I’d like to do things that impact people positively. It’s a weird time on the planet, so to have songs about hope, but not be cheesy about it, it’s something I think we need with songwriting. That’s the kind of music I want to hear.”

The spirit of Thin Lizzy, a smidgen of T. Rex glam and power pop greats like Jellyfish & Cheap Trick runs throughout the album, although Tuk Smith has his own musical style and by all rights, should be more well known than he is currently.

With the album clocking in at just 35 minutes, there no extended solos or frivolous intros. Four songs have been released already, including the rip roaring ‘Glorybound’, a neat response to his musical detractors. ‘Blood on the Stage’ was the latest track to be released prior to the album. A slow burner with a simmering guitar solo, a perfect single, as are any of the ten songs on the album.

‘Still A Dreamer’ sounds like a long lost Thin Lizzy song, especially in the guitar parts. The title track is another one that tips a nod to Thin Lizzy. No bad thing in any music fan’s book.

Timing wise it is the perfect late summer musical pick me up, full of memorable melodies and lyrics. Surely this will be the album that breaks Tuk Smith into the next level of musical success? ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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