Album Review: Thrillkiller, San Francisco Moto

Emotion Overload

The man who's in control

We'll never stop the show

Clever words will rule the world...

...You're the king of 1984!

The Baltimore funk and progressive rock masters are back with their second release, San Francisco Moto. I honestly wasn't sure if they could top their first incredible EP, but they not only topped it, they ascended to a higher plane of existence. And, I'm not even exaggerating. This EP is a true work of art. Its a perfect blend of 80's feeling funk and fusion, while being modern. Its mostly a completely different style from their debut album.

The EP starts off with a synth and guitar instrumental called Theme of Rex Razor that would fit in a scene of Stranger Things. It then slams into King of 1984, an upbeat and catchy tune that is full of stellar vocal performances, pounding drum and bass, and shredding guitar. It then goes into the title track, San Francisco Moto which is also upbeat, but more of a bass oriented tune to starts, but slams into a heavy groove, with brilliant vocal harmony. Last Horizon is the heaviest song on the EP, and it has kind of a 'chase scene in a movie' feel to it. Its absolutely brutal, in terms of guitar. Wicked Rhythm is a nod to their debut, as its funk and groove with a big chorus, and incredible harmony guitar solo.

This band is gifted, and they have probably raised the bar for local Baltimore bands extremely high. Singer, Rob Bradley is not only a great singer, he's a freaking rock star in every sense of the word. But, if you watch their videos, every band member has great stage presence and are rock stars in their own respect. Guitar duo, Maxim Sobchenko and Derrin Ruschell are virtuosos. Bassist, Sebastian Ochoa is a beast, and drummer, Daniel Tipton is extremely tight and skillful. This rhythm section is as solid as a brick wall.

This EP is great. Not only in the songs and musicianship, but also in production. This album is radio ready, and if Thrillkiller were to get signed (and it would be a crime if they don't) they wouldn't have to record a new debut album. 

You also want to check out their videos. They were not cheap to make, and the production on them is amazing. The two videos tell the story of Timecop, Rex Razor, and his adventures in time with his time machine that just happened to be installed in a Delorean. 

King of 1984 video

San Francisco Moto Video

Album and Concert Review: YYNOT

If you're a fan of Rush,

and you haven't heard this

band yet, I just gotta know.

Why??? Why not???

YYNOT started with a stroke of unlikely luck. Guitarist and songwriter, Billy Alexander, of LA was browsing YouTube, and happened across the bass covers of bassist, Tim Starace of Melbourne, FL. He was so impressed with the pure sound and precision of Starace's covers, that he contacted him, asking if he wanted to do an online cover collaboration. He agreed, and they started with a drummer, and soon, recruited 19 year old female power singer,  Rocky Kuner also of LA. Soon, their videos began catching on like wildfire across the internet. Rush fans worldwide were watching the videos, and demanding more. The band then decided to do Rush styled original songs. A risky move, indeed. But, the fans gobbled the original tunes up, and demanded more. YYNOT was born. They finally settled on drummer, Joel Stevenett of Salt Lake City, UT, and recorded their debut album across state lines, recording their parts, then sending them to Billy Alexander, who mixed and produced it. To date, they have played shows in LA and Florida, with more dates in the works. Fans travel cross country to see them perform.

The album is superb, in terms of musicianship, song writing, and production. You'll have a hard time believing that this was a self recorded and produced album, because the quality sounds as good as any Rush album. The songs cover a wide range of Rush's history and sound. Songs like Hourglass, Kingdom Come, YYNOT, Etheria, Run on Love and Another Trip Around the Sun take you back to the earlier and heavier grooves of Rush, while To Come Back Home, Invisible Heart, and The Curtain Falls represent the newer styles.

Rocky Kuner, Vocals

While this is all Rush styled, they also have their own definitive style, meaning they are a serious, legitimate progressive rock band. Maybe you're not the biggest Rush fan, but you still like progressive rock or metal, you will like YYNOT. But, they aren't limited to prog. A couple of the songs on the album have commercial appeal, and could easily be radio hits. They've scored a grand slam with this album. It would be hard not to, when you have guitar, bass, and drum virtuosos, fronted by a tiny woman with an enormous voice that is power and beauty combined. You owe it to yourself to get this album. Its one of the best debuts that I've ever heard.

Now, onto the concert...

June 8, 2018, Eau Gallie Civic Center, Melbourne FL. This place wasn't designed for music. There is no stage, no lighting, only a huge empty auditorium. When I walked in there, I thought I was walking into a huge rock club. They went all out on the stage, complete with video screens on the sides. Pro lighting, pro sound system, all state of the art. I was impressed.

They opened with Starace, Alexander, and Stevenett onstage, with Rocky side stage. The opening song was the 2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx. Suddenly, the screens went blank, and we see the shadow silhouette of Rocky as she did a buildup note into the Syrinx.  As she came out on stage, the packed house erupted with applause.

Joel Stevenett, Drums

YYNOT played mostly vintage Rush covers, the newest one that I recall being Spirit of Radio. They played classics like A Farewell to Kings, No One at the Bridge, Passage to Bangkok, as well as Freewill and Limelight, and many more. They played for 2 and a half hours, and played 6 of the 9 songs on their album. They never ran out of energy, and neither did the fans. They could have done another 2 hours if they had wanted.

In addition to the amazing music, and showmanship, bassist, Tim Starace was surprised by a happy birthday performance by the band and the crowd. 2 people brought boxes of Krispy Crème donuts onstage, and handed them out to fans. We were also treated to a heartfelt story from Billy Alexander, about how he at 11 years old got to go to his first Rush concert, and how that changed his life. The whole speech was a tribute to his sister, who was in attendance, and was treated like royalty for it. Without her taking him to the concert, there would be no YYNOT! After the band played YYZ, singer, Rocky Kuner got emotional, saying how much all this love from the fans meant to her and the band. She also said that she was blessed to have the best band in the world. I kind of felt blessed to have the 'best band in the world' in my hometown playing a concert, and so did everyone else in attendance.

Billy Alexander/ Guitars and Tim Starace/ Bass

There were people who had driven from Atlanta, Texas, and even Kansas City to see this concert. They all knew how special this band is, and everyone who has heard them has a feeling that they are going to be huge. They have already been contacted by record labels, and not to mention their growing worldwide fanbase. You definitely want to buy their CD, and see them in concert when you can. 

Social Media:

Facebook
YouTube
Twitter

Click to buy the CD
Its also available on Amazon

Yours truly with YYNOT and a photobomber





Album Review: Thrillkiller, Showdown

Its a Showdown 

In the Prime time! 

Rob Bradley is a freaking ROCK STAR! Rob, the singer of Thrillkiller has one of the best voices I've heard, and the musical arrangement on the band's first full length album are nothing short of mind boggling. Thrillkiller is a blend of rock, metal, jass, funk, fusion, and pop. A perfect blend, combined with the musicianship of the top maestros. 

The band released a 4 song EP featuring 4 of the tunes on this album, as a teaser. I reviewed it at the time, and the accolades I gave the band in that review still apply, just moreso. This band is one that will appeal to musicians and non musicians alike. Translation: RADIO! Somebody sign these guys!

The album starts off with my favorite song by them, Passion Killer. A hard driving groove with a chorus that will stick in your head. In fact several of the songs have that, like In Too Deep, The Fever, and Time. Another thing that record companies look for. Once again, Somebody sign these guys! This is a band that I won't get sick of, and its a band that once signed, some snotty producer won't be able to change the vision that the band has in order to make it more 'commercial.' Meaning, Thrillkiller is perfect as is, and radio ready.

Showing the band's incredible diversity, track 6, A Reason starts off almost like a boy band harmony song, but with real music behind it. It then builds into a slow driving jam, with stunning vocal harmony, and mind blowing guitar by Maxim Sobchenko. But you can honestly say that about EVERY song. Want to hear a song that sounds like a mix of vintage Iron Maiden, Rush? Track 10, Social Disease. Bass player, Sebastian Ochoa puts on a performance worthy of Geddy Lee and Steve Harris, with the flare of Billy Sheehan, and drummer, Matt Bittman is there lock step with him. Boma Jack joined the band as the drummer after the album was recorded. Speaking of Geddy Lee, Rob Bradley's vocals reach the stratosphere in a vintage Geddy vibe. This song will melt your brain. 

Boma Jack, Rob Bradley, Sebastian Ochoa, Maxim Sobchenko

Thrillkiller has their own style, resembling no other. They come from an area known for producing incredible prog metal bands, and they have set the bar extremely high. But, we the fans are better for it. Hopefully, Thrillkiller gets signed, makes it big, and has multi platinum albums, with sold out stadium tours. Maybe that would reignite the fire in musicians to be the absolute best they can be, and for that to reflect in their music. 

You will like this album. Buy it! Here's how:

The band's website where you can buy the album

Facebook