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November 2024

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August 2024

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Bullets And Octane: Waking Up Dead

Hard Rock

4.0/5.0

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Bad Mofo/Cargo Records
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 09.05.2018

Celebrating 20 years, St Louis born and LA based Bullets And Octane have been dropping albums since 2003, with the most consistent output between then and 2009. Fronted by the only original member, vocalist Gene Louis, the band returns with a new line up and a new album, Waking Up Dead.

Bullets And Octane

If Bullets And Octane has been flying under your radar, as they have under mine, the band plays high energy hard rock with a slice of Sunset Boulevard sleaze and a punk twist. Most songs are built upon swift pacing, sharp riffs, and a big beat and groove from the rhythm section. Vocalist Gene Louis doesn't necessarily sing, but rather roars and rages with raspy intensity, while he's backed up by gang vocals from his band mates. Nevertheless, Louis' voice still carries the melody and harmony that lingers within each song. Guitarist Felipe Rodrigo is quick with slick harmonious guitar riffs, then ripping off thrilling guitar solos.

With ten songs across the album, things move along pretty quickly. With few exceptions, be prepared for tunes to be hard, heavy, and fast like Bad Mother Fucker, Fuck You Song, Heart Attack, and Burning At Both Wicks, with a killer guitar solo within. Alternatively, Fires has more moderate pacing, and turns on a mixture of lighter and heavier moments. Murder Me Baby moves by sharp riffs, kickin' drums, and twists in Louis' voice and lyrics. Something almost entirely different than other songs is Hostage. More dialed back from the high energy rock, it turns mostly on lighter electric guitar, simple bass and drum lines, and Louis' smoother vocal presentation. All in all, Bullets And Octane's Waking Up Dead is another solid album of American hard and heavy, high energy rock from the band. Catch them on a tour near you. Recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

Bullets And Octane's Waking Up Dead is another solid album of American hard and heavy, high energy rock from the band. Catch them on a tour near you. Recommended.

Alphabetical Index

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]