RAYGUN REBELS – Bring Me Home

Modern Rock N’ Roll / Hard Rock hasn’t always been giving the new generation a true chance to experience the nature of the genre that was vastly spread in the ’70s. Bands here and there, beside the MTV dropouts, tried to mimic the same spirit that loomed over the on developing Rock scene with some success; however and unfortunately, it will never be the same. After taking the time to watch ’70s Hard Rock-oriented bands such as the American Rival Sons rise to power, the Germans sent their regards with an Americanized version of their own Modern Hard Rock in the image of Raygun Rebels.

Raygun Rebels released their debut album, Bring Me Home, which suggested a very nice American-like turnout of Modern Hard Rock with a view to the past. Right from the beginning of this showcase, it was easy to find similarities between the rebels and new and old bands such as Buckcherry, The Datsuns, Thin Lizzy, and even Aerosmith. Furthermore, from the first chords it was as if this was an American band playing, plain and simple. Overall, Raygun Rebels played simple material that was shaped to be catchy, fluent, crunchy, and utterly loosen.

Probably one of the things that made this release turn in the Rebels’ favor was the production. There’s amazing work on the mixing & mastering, which made this band sound professional and strong. Death-Tone Heavy Productions should get their rightful cheers for such a superb work with this group. They really helped these guys attain the correct sound that shared both modernity and vintage at the same time.

Maybe the main reason why this album is essentially good was because it almost touched everything of what Rock ‘N’ Roll has to offer nowadays. Moreover, the decision to go American was the safest bet this band took. Although they tended to repeat themselves when it came down to the riffages and Southern-like licks, it actually fit the music and it just sounded right even though not combined with an original outline. That notion can be recognized on the amazing guitar solos that reminded some of the grandeur of almost thirty years. Along with those low gain uplifting moments and the band’s catchy approach, that created material that a fun listen.

The crunchy sound and the right attitude of Bring Me Home gave birth to some nice hits. Raygun Rebels circled their best outputs through the known themes that were on the payroll of Rock ‘N’ Roll. “Goodbye”, a sweet ballad, even if it dragged on more than five minutes for no reason, had cool, emotive moments. “The Killer” is a nice story of a falsely accused dude, and had a really nice chorus and a good main riff. “Here We Are”, as sort of an introduction to the band, actually felt as if Buckcherry were the ones playing. With an utterly catchy sense, the Rebels took the attention with a good opener. “Let Me Go” is a solid track, yet it kind of gets annoying after repeatedly going on and on with the same stuff. “Lay Down Baby” is a good Rock ‘N’ Roll fixer and had its way.

In the end, Bring Me Home, sounds modern with its clean features, and the feel of it is kind of nice. It didn’t show any genuineness; yet it’s an album for the thrill of it and plainly for fun. If you are into the vintage eras, take a listen to these guys.

Tracklist

1. Here We Are
2. Lay Down Baby
3. Financial Distress Blues
4. Goodbye
5. I Want You
6. Let Me Go
7. The Killer
8. Bring Me Home

Lineup

Danny Raygun – Vocals, Guitar
Dom Raygun – Guitar
Pelle Ericson – Bass
Flick Rick – Drums