ALBUM REVIEW: The Sideshows – The Sideshows (European Phonographic)
The Sideshows is a new project featuring members of Hanoi Rocks, The Digressions and The Loyalties, and this is their debut album.
They’re fronted by UK-based Canadian singer-songwriter Rich Ragany, known for his work in Role Models, Rich Ragany & The Digressions and The Loyalties.
He’s joined by bassist Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks, New York Dolls, Jesse Malin, Michael Monroe), and powerhouse drummer Simon Maxwell (Yo Yos, The Loyalties, Role Models).
The Sideshows play straight-up anthemic rock ‘n’ roll packed with melody and plenty of punch. The album kicks off with Brand New, one of the first songs they recorded at Yaffa’s Red Mud Studios in Mallorca, Spain.
It’s a good appetiser for what’s to follow as they serve up another nine slices of glam-infused rock ‘n roll full of uplifting melodies, singalong choruses and more big hooks than a shark-fishing contest.
There’s a heavy metal feel to the guitars on I Feel It, while the gorgeous, melancholic Say Goodbye On A Night Like This is an early highlight.
This Could Be Everything is a heartfelt love song which slows the pace a little, while Rock And Roll Owes Me An Apology, powered by a driving beat, is a contender for standout track.
Smoke Show reminds me of The Replacements, but they leave the best ’til last with Not Sorry which gives off big Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers vibes as Ragany pays tribute to his dearly departed friend and musical collaborator Scott Sorry (Sorry & The Sinatras, The Wildhearts).
Anyone who’s into any of the members’ other bands should find plenty to enjoy in this rock-solid debut. 8/10.
