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Bite The Bullet: Black & White

AOR/Melodic Hard Rock

4.0/5.0

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Escape Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 08.01.2021 | Released: 22.01.2021

While their history is rather foggy, obscure English rock band Bite The Bullet was formed by singer songwriter Mick Benton (also vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards) and drummer Graham Cowling in 1986 after the former secured a solo gig with Atlantic Records, thanks to Greg Lake, and asked the latter to play drums. The band released their first album in 1989 to a modicum of success. Now, with the success of the reissue of their debut album on CD in 2019, the duo and longtime friends have regrouped to write new music and give us a new studio album, Black & White, for the Escape Music Label.

Bite The Bullet

In their early days, Bite The Bullet was influenced by the Eighties rock of Foreigner, Toto, and new wave masters Mr Mister. Returning to 2021, Bite The Bullet still plays Eighties classic AOR-driven melodic hard rock. Their tunes are a fine mix of zesty riffs, energetic rock rhythm and groove, catchy refrains, sparkling synth embellishment, and roaring guitar solos (which I was quickly impressed with). All these things are wrapped up in exceptional song melody and harmony with melodic and harmonious vocal arrangements. Singer Christiansen has a smooth, nearly subdued, vocal style that sounds both emotional and effortless.

Speaking to some tunes, you'll find some heavier riff rockers with I'll Go, Rocks To Stones, and You Never Knew, all with fine guitar solos. While starting smoother, Dark Energy offers listeners sharper riffs and a thicker rhythm section making the song sound dense and heavy. With More Than This, those sharp riffs are accompanied by a lively upbeat groove that makes the song both heavier and catchy. Similar is Bring It On, only with a bit more speed. Synths introduce and find their place in the rockers I'll Go, Falling, and Under The Veil. If there's something of a ballad or anthem it arrives with The Lonely Road which relies as much on its smooth rhythm and groove as the melodic vocal arrangement. All said, Black & White is an exceptional reintroduction to England's Bite The Bullet, an album of well-crafted and satisfying classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily 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.

Black & White is an exceptional reintroduction to England's Bite The Bullet, an album of well-crafted and satisfying classic AOR melodic hard rock. Easily recommended.

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