Black Lipstick
The Hel-Gators
Released 17th June 2024.
Reviewed 20th July 2024
Members are
J.Hel-Gator vocals and drums
Jarmo “Jama” Lof- Guitars/Backing Vocals
Marko “Maine” Mainelakeus – Bass / Backing Vocals
The Hel-Gators are an East Hel-sinki Rockin trio that formed in 2004, they are a self-sufficient band that carries out much of the work on the album by themselves. All tracks written by Jarmo Lof and Jussi Sydanmaki (alias of hel-gator himself) except for track 11, Tinseltown which was written by Jussi himself. Recorded over a period between 2022/23 at the Duke’s Point Studios. The Hel-gators did all the arrangements, and the album was mastered in January 2024 by Jaakko Viitalahde at virtaland. Pyros design for the front cover. All digitalising completed by Mika Liikari at Striking Designs. Available from Bluelight
Track by track Review
Black Lipstick
The title track of the album and it’s a cracker, such recognisable vocals and such a great guitar power opening. Love the darkness within the backing vocals. full rock n roll sounding track with a full modern touch.
Twilight Dance
Dave Edmonds style mixed with the stray cats and you get a full sounding rock n roll track at its best. full of energy with its twanging guitar and thrashing drums. Dead stop ending just makes you beg for more.
Hollow Joe
No letting up on this track power guitar and slapping bass and the incredible vocals. if this don’t fill a dance hall floor nothing will. Its status quo on speed. Made for the jivers and boppers no strolling to this. Great track.
Old As Sodom
Once again the stray cats vibe influances the guitar riffs. A mid tempo track allowing you to catch your breath from the previous tracks. guitar break is just fantastic (not long enough though) the track is just a little over two minutes and lots of room for an extra two minutes. Such a great original sound.
Into Shreds
Once I had read the title I thought we are calming down with a nice ballad track, how wrong I was. Drums that would open hells gates, followed by vocals that would get you golden angel wings. Every track brings power and breathless energy.
Get Off Hop
A little town girl with big dreams, but a big city band with the world at its feet. Another high energy rockin cracker. Great lyrics that just kept plain and simple allowing the track to flow, great support from the boys with its magical guitar. Lets not forget the heartbeat of the track from the drums and bass. You will love the outro riff.
Duel At The Dawn
Some awesome writing on this album, along with percussions and a love and respect for its sound. So many genres and influences can be heard from past masters within the chords. This isn’t just records, there is a lesson within the tracks.
I Feel So Good
There is no let up, each track just gets better and better with a surprise from the guitar and drums, the slap bass features heavily on this track and gives it a pulse. Makes me want to put on my sunglasses and just strut with this music banging out behind me. I think this is my favourite track so far.pure class.
No Stories
Country roots opening riff leading to a rockabilly stroller paced tune, great lyrics that catch your ears and gives a thinking point. I just love the stories within the songs, they are fresh and catchy.
Poker Face
Not to be confused with the lady gaga release. Vocals and music give a rockin feel of a punkabilly style track. it does contain a very small small word which may offend if it hits the fan, we are track ten and the freshness continues to blast my speakers.
Tinseltown
Hold on two nerves as we close with another high octane tongue twisting bopper. Get them air guitars at the ready, your going to need them. Absolutely brilliant closing track to and absolutely brilliant album.
Summary,
what an album. Pure, fresh, raw and an amazing set of writing and musical skills. A honour to play and review what can only be a chuffin great album. Massive well done to all involved
Recommendation
Buy it is all I can say
Track Listing
Black Lipstick (2:25)
Twilight Dance (2:45)
Hollow Joe (2:32)
Old As Sodom (2:12)
Into Shreds (2:50)
Get Off Hop (3:36)
Duel At The Dawn (2:33)
I Feel So Good (2:14)
No Stories (2:57
Poker Face (2:23)
Tinseltown (2:33)
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