Time spent in previous rock outfits Demon, Limehouse Lizzy, and Chrome Molly have equipped Tim Read, Jim Davis, Paul Hume, Josh Williams, and Neil Ogden with the almighty knowledge of epic riff writing. Read Out Loud’s debut self-titled album ticks all the right boxes to birth a collection of safe tunes that would slide easily into any classic rock playlist, sandwiched comfortably between The Scorpions and Thin Lizzy.
Opening track ‘Surrender’ eases in at a medium pace powered by chugging guitars and vocal harmonies, a concoction that would make the beloved Metal Gods of the 80s proud with a unanimous salute. An immediate full throttle majestic guitar solo from lead guitarist and vocalist Read sets up a promising start to the record, and finds its own pedestal at the helm throughout.
Keyboardist Davis’ prominent synthesisers and twinkly melody on ‘Waiting for the Sun’ lull you into incorrectly expecting another classic ballad on heartbreak, leaving you pleasantly surprised to find lyrical content surrounding relaxation and tranquility instead; “I’ve been waiting too long for the hot summer sun / on the beach by the sea that’s where you’ll always find me // Waiting for the sun.”
The album is full of false first impressions and trickery, the standard thunder and rain samples that open ‘Close to You’ followed by an acoustic guitar and piano connote a blissfully dreamy intro, torn down by the welcomed interruption of an upbeat rock tune that easily could’ve come straight out of Whitesnake’s latest record.
Intricate guitar work is the most imposing star of the show throughout the track listing, disguised in different musical styles from oriental on ‘The Girl Is Trouble’, to flamenco on the closing track ‘Don’t Go.’
Despite the old-school retro songwriting and musical structure, the album sets itself apart with strong, clean modern production that gives it an overall fuller and well-rounded sound.
Whilst the album doesn’t stretch to break any boundaries, ‘Read Out Loud’ is like a hot cup of tea on a freezing winter’s eve, the familiarity welcomed and comforting, and just what the doctor ordered.
You can order your copy of 'Read Out Loud' now and get up to date touring information at the bands website here.
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