It was The Beatles who said “I get by with a little help from my friends”. In the music world, this comes in the form of collaborations. While they aren’t entirely common in the metal world we live in, they’re becoming more of a feature. Look to Slash’s 2010 self-titled album and you’ll see proof that you don’t need a solid band formation to put a project together. Following in the footsteps of the rock deity is UK hard rock guitarist Justin Larner with his sophomore record Hot And Dangerous.
The opening title track is a bold statement which sets the tone, marking Larner one to watch. Burning string work overlays a solid riff, whisking us away for a night of fun and danger. Jonny Sparks’ punk vocals paint the picture of the leather jacket wearing bad boy, leaning against his motorcycle with a cigarette hanging between his lips. “We’re high octane, we’re the need for speed” brings the thrill seekers to the yard with pounding drums and engine room guitars revving into the night.
‘Hot And Dangerous’ kicks the door off its hinges and bowls into the party as if it were the main event. Though it doesn’t take long for this self-proclaimed bad boy to show a much softer side. We’ve all experienced the guy who picks up an acoustic guitar and busts out ‘Wonderwall’ during a party. Larner leaves Oasis at the door and invites us into his ensemble. With themes of broken down relationships, loyalty among friends, and the odd reference to drug (mis)use, there’s something for everyone.
A darker, edgier intro calls Joe Hill to the mic for ‘Take Me Away’. Larner’s guitar provides the push for Hill’s velveteen vocals to lap against the shores of understated instrumentals. Hill’s voice is intoxicating as he sings of the “infatuation with the thought of getting out of here”. His passion for both song and story shine though. Larner’s talent for constructing a song permeates ‘Take Me Away’, the peaks and troughs of his guitar transport us to another world. Hill sings “There are too many places left to see” and this dynamic duo can take us there.
While a multitude of songs on the album are feeling-centric, Larner isn’t afraid to feel his oats. ‘Can You Feel It’ has undeniable swagger as his playing oozes charisma. Closing song ‘Losing It’ shows Larner at his best. With no vocals to temper the song, the guitar has room to breathe and effortlessly takes centre stage. While Larner may not be Mick Mars level of unsung guitar hero, this album shows he should be a talking point.
Larner enlists good friend Jane Gould for the country inspired ballad ‘Best Laid Plans’. Armed with a synth overlay and sad melodies, the pair take us on a journey through the grief of a broken relationship. ‘Best Laid Plans’ reminds us it isn’t only the loss of the person we feel, but also the life we envisioned with them. “We shook on forever” is evocative in its Stevie Nicks tone as guitars bolster the feeling of abandonment. As the song continues, Larner’s guitar becomes a tool to manipulate emotions the way only a musician can. “Your stubborn heart echoes foolish pride” melts into a guitar solo, the richness of which tugs on already fraught and fraying heart strings.
Great musicians know how to take emotions and turn them into sound. Great lyricists do the same with words. ‘Oblivion’ is evidence of Larner’s ability to not only do both, but do both well. The slow, simplistic intro begs for the scream of an electric guitar. The listener borders on frustration until Hill’s extraordinary voice sails through the soundscape on a sweet, melodic wind. “I’ve seen so many faces come and go”, is soulful and speaks to the part of us all which has seen the pain of temporary people. Spine tingling vocals and stripped back guitars lead you down the garden path of this becoming yet another sad song. A change in tone transforms the maudlin into a rousing number about supporting friends through their darkest hour.
‘Oblivion’ encapsulates Hot and Dangerous’ sentiment in a nutshell. We can achieve good things alone but we achieve greatness with the support of our friends. Larner picked some incredible musicians to join him on this go round, to the point some of them should become permanent fixtures. Whether that will happen remains to be seen. For now, however, if you’re looking for a soundtrack to summer nights sat around a beach bonfire with your friends, reach for Hot And Dangerous.
Hot And Dangerous is available now across all major streaming platforms. For the latest Justin Larner news, including new releases and tour dates, you can either visit his website or follow his social media linked below.
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