If there’s a sleazier rock and roll band around right now, I’m probably yet to hear them. Coming across like a filthier version of He Is Legend, this is 11 tracks of pure, unadulterated riffage. A concept album based on the tales of 1920s gangster Ma Baker, Dallas Taylor’s new band show his former Underoath charges that he can write songs that are just as good as his very famous former bandmates. ‘II’ is sleazy, rockin’ and has a bar-room swagger that demands your attention.
‘Dry The River’ is guaranteed to get your attention – it’s just one of those huge rock songs that features metal solos, scruffy vocals and just an overwhelming sense of brilliance. ‘Tale of the Runaways’ is every bit as good; again the riffs are immense and sound a bit Jovi-esque. ‘Don’t Ever Cross A Trowell’ has a fantastic outro which chugs away merrily, while Taylor’s vocals are on the ball throughout. If you enjoyed the first He Is Legend record, or you love Underoath, I guarantee you’ll adore this record.