TONY MITCHELL – Hot Endless Summer Nights

The Backstory

Tony Mitchell may be best known as the frontman of the English Rock band Kiss of the Gypsy. Their single “What Ever It Takes” reached #4 on the UK Rock Charts in 1991. As Kiss of the Gypsy readied for the release of their second studio album, record label consolidations caused the album to be shelved. The band called it quits in 1993. Mitchell kept busy with various music and songwriting projects over the years before releasing his debut solo album in 2018 entitled Beggars Gold. Hot Endless Summer Nights is Mitchell’s third solo album.

The Album

“Hot Endless Summer Nights” kicks things off with bright guitars and soft keys, as Tony Mitchell reminds us of the best times of our youth. “Blame It On The Rock” has a bluesy undertone to it and a clap along drum beat courtesy of Eddie Anthony. “Strong Enough” is a power ballad that employs clean guitars and some acoustics. The quick guitar solo kicks up the distortion for a bit. To be honest, the first third of the album is a bit ‘ho hum.’

“Drowning in a Sea of Paradise” would be a better choice to kick off the album. It’s more energetic and deploys a lot more characteristics of that ’80s throwback sound. Keyboards take center stage on the second ballad “Caught in the Headlights.” With this song Mitchell’s vocals finally come alive with more inflection and feeling. The snappy drum beat and synth programming of “Neon Sky” will take you back to the days of Crockett and Tubbs patrolling the street of Miami. Nothing says ’80s Rock radio more than the saxophone enhancing the driving groove of “Leave The World Behind.”

Mitchell may have been listening to too much Def Leppard before he wrote “Turn Back Time.” The main riff sure sounds a lot like “Hysteria.” There’s also an electronic drum beat going on there as well. Perhaps it’s just an homage to the legendary Rock act? “With You in a Heartbeat” is another strong track that could have come in at the #2 position. It’s gritty and dark, but still has a driving beat that can’t be ignored. The pounding drum beat of “Faithless” dominates, but there’s plenty of multi-part harmonies and synth effects to soften it a bit.

The Verdict

Those that are fans of ’80s nostalgia may be excited about such a release, but Hot Endless Summer Nights is a problematic album. First, there’s a sequencing issue. The album’s strongest material doesn’t hit until the 5th song. The first four songs just aren’t that exciting to lead off with, not matter how relatable the lyrics are.

Second, Mitchell’s vocals are good, albeit low, but a lot of the songs demand a higher register. Most of the time it seems Mitchell is just singing the material to get through the lyrics. Any emotion and conviction that should be behind his words and vocals are lacking. Mitchell’s notable and impressive guitar playing cannot cover that up.

On the flip side the band is tight and the production is great. The middle third is the strongest material Hot Endless Summer Nights has to offer, while the final third experiments with different ’80s styles and band tributes.

Tracklist

1. Hot Endless Summer Nights
2. Can’t Fight It
3. Blame It On The Rock’n’Roll
4. Strong Enough
5. Drowning in a Sea of Paradise
6. Caught in the Headlights
7. Neon Sky
8. Leave The World Behind
9. Turn Back Time
10. With You in a Heartbeat
11. Faithless
12. Calling Mother Nature

Tony Mitchell’s Band

Tony Mitchell – Vocals, Guitar, Keys
Miles Meakin – Guitar
Nigel Bailey – Bass
Eddie Antony – Drums