Released by: Dirt Records
Release Date: November 3rd, 2023
Genre: Hard Rock
Links: https://www.dirtyhoney.com/
Line Up:
Marc Labelle – Vocals
John Notto – Guitars
Justin Smolian – Bass
Jaydon Bean – Drums
Tracklist:
01. Don’t Put Out The Fire
02. Won’t Take Me Alive
03. Dirty Mind
04. Roam
05. Get A Little High
06. Coming Home (Ballad Of The Shire)
07. Can’t Find The Brakes
08. Satisfied
09. Ride On
10. You Make It All Right
11. Rebel Son
“Guess we should have seen this one coming when Dirty Honey made history as the only unsigned artist in Billboard’s nearly four decades to go all the way to #1 on the magazine’s Mainstream and Hard Rock Charts with its debut single, “When I’m Gone.” The rest from there has been a steady climb of constant touring the world, all leading up to a highly anticipated sophomore release. This year has already been a roller coaster of emotions for the guys, as they headed overseas on tour opening for GnR, including the famed Hyde Park performance which we covered here. Some of the new songs, including “Coming Home,” “Can’t Find The Brakes,” and “Won’t Take Me Alive,” have been heard this summer and were very well received by the fans at Hyde. Read more of that interview with Marc here, with more intimate details about the new record.
This time, the guys headed to Australia to work on “Can’t Find The Brakes,” as opposed to their debut, which had to be done via Zoom due to the pandemic. Long-time producer Nick DiDia handled the groundwork again, and you can hear the pristine sound and razor-sharp product as soon as you spin up “Don’t Put Out The Fire.” Another key point to discuss is the new drummer, Jaydon Bean, who came on board earlier in the year. He does a fantastic job on the new record. The groovy, classic Hard Rock groove on “Don’t Put Out The Fire” is as classic as it comes. The chorus in “Dirty Mind” brings to mind the old-school Chili Peppers, very funky, and its cheeky lyrics inspire some movement on the dance floor when played live, which is great.
The groovy rocker “Satisfied” is a burner with a strong rhythm section, and the guitar sounds are so loud. Marc does a great job, as always, handling the highs, and the drum work here is perfect. I appreciated the diversity in the songs this time around. They are not all balls-to-the-walls rockers; there are some more soulful ballads this time around with “Home” and “You Make It Alright,” which offer a nice change of pace as a second offering.
Overall, in Dirty Honey’s second sophomore release, they manage to beat the sophomore blues and deliver a more complete record with a nice change of pace. The songwriting has improved, the overall connection and cohesion of the guys have grown, and it feels more inspired. The production is top-notch, without a doubt. I believe any fans of the band will be pleased with this one. I have no doubt that you will get a chance to hear the guys live, as they are road warriors. Don’t miss out on one of the best live bands in the Rock business at the moment. Recommended!!!”
Score: 8/10
Reviewed by: Shadow Editor
About Author
