…but for the sun is the new release from BIG WRECK that has frontman Ian Thornley calling their just-released work “no bullshit return to loud rock’n’roll.”
I tend to agree with Mr. Thornley on that statement. This album upon the first couple of spins reminded me very much of the debut album from these guys back in 1997 (In Loving Memory of) which featured a bunch of tailor-made rock classics (The Oaf/That Song/ Blown Wide Open and my personal fav Fallin Through The Cracks) that had a lot of us listening to what these guys were doing as not only could they deliver it song-wise but they had the musical chops to back it up as well.
I stuck the course with BW and even found that when Ian ditched the BW moniker and released his own Thornley material that it was quite good also. But as many things that do happen along the way BW was rebooted a little ways back and here they are dropping down a what I would call return form to the first album from 22 years ago!
1 Voices 4:57
2 Locomotive 5:00
3 In My Head 4:08
4 So Clear 4:09
5 Follow Me 4:07
6 Give Us A Smile 6:30
7 Too Far Gone 5:09
8 Alibi 4:57
9 Help Is On The Way 7:05
10 Found My Place 4:56
11 One More Chance 3:16
12 The Fly and The Bowl 4:36
Ian Thornley – lead vocals, lead guitar
Dave McMillan – bass
Chuck Keeping – drums
The most noticeable thing is BW is down to a three-piece after the passing of Brian Doherty(RIP).
Thornley has stepped up huge on this album as the drums sound huge and that has to go to producer Eric Kratz who does a fantastic job at honing in the sound of BW.
When I first heard the lead-off single Locomotive I was hooked. What a track! Phenomenal playing along with some slick lyrics and an ace in the whole chorus which is the money shot as far as I’m concerned! I must mention that I love that off-tempo time change that does sound like the Locomotive is coming off the tracks but doesn’t!
In My Head is another sure-fire winner as Ian doubles done on one fantastic solo as he shreds that fretboard to smithereens and lays down some serious guitar law. I mean for all the raving about the guitar work on this album how about a shout out to Ian’s vocals! Very good as well.
BW goes all over the sonic highway on this one but keeps it in the rock format big time!
Love that ZZ TOP intro-outro of One More Chance as Ian shifts gears as well. This cat can play ask Myles Kennedy! Speaking of which let’s also give some credit to Bassist Dave McMillan and Drummer Chuck Keeping (Listen to the drums at the end of Locomotive! Bam!) who give Ian a ton of room to maneuver around on the guitar without getting in the way.
A really solid effort! Check it out!
Sounds like a great release. Don’t know these guys, but I had already added them to the list that I will eventually make some progress on.
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John,you will dig this. This album is right in your wheelhouse!
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Cool. I will definitely check it out.
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Hey Deke
I checked it out. I enjoyed Too Far Gone, Give Us A Smile, Alibi and One More Chance.
Thanks for sharing.
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Awesome, It’s a good hard rock album chock full of bombastic riffs and loud drums!
Dang, that should have been my review! haha
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A review in less than 15 words. Nice
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Haven’t bought a Big Wreck since the second album (which I sold). I will get this. Thanks Deke.
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Too be honest Mikey I think its there most solid one since the debut
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Then that’s the one for me.
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I probably know some of their tunes from the radio but I couldn’t name one. I always get them confused with Great Big Sea, lol
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You on Crack? haha
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No way! Literally just heard about this band in an article about how all our music heros are dying and they were ones that might pick up the slack on real music. I checked them out last week, will give another go.
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There doing a mega tour you should see if BW is in your neck of the woods!
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Haha. Already checked! Nothing so far.
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Dang what about Sloan? These guys are fantastic live they switch up there instruments during the show which is real cool
I know they hit Oregon lots
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Will check it out!
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Well wouldn’t you know, they’ll be here in November.
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I’m seeing them Oct 16th
Cool guys play there sets and hang out at the merch table after they never charge
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I have reviewed there past times through TBAY check it out
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I saw them years ago, they put on a great show too. Always encouraging when 22 years later, they are still releasing gold!
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Yes, sir Gold it is and they are here in Tbay Nov 15th in which myself and Tbone will be present!
Look forward to hearing this album live.
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Like their debut and you have me curious on this. Will give it a spin.
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Check it out, sir! You may like what you hear!
Chances are if you liked the debut you will dig this one!
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I really like it. Has that big sound like the first one. Lots to like. 3 guys making some big noise. I will put it on spin for a while. Thanks for the nudge. Like the”No BS”tag. Perfect review.
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Thanks, man! Appreciate the kind words!
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Reckon I’ll add this to the list, Deke. Heard bits and pieces of their other stuff and there’s enough there I kinda like.
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It’s a great guitar jamming album J! Right up you alley buddy! Got tickets on November 15th to see em!
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I’ll report back!
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I am listening to this one on vinyl and 2 songs in it’s pretty cool.
Sweet review.
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Very good album Bop! In My Head is my fav track on it currently but that could change tomorrow!
Thanks for reading!
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On the 4th song(So Clear) now and the only minor issue is I feel the drums sound a little muddy at times, but the album is still really good. 3.85/4 so far.
As for Eric Ratz, Ian worked with him on the Monster Truck- Sittin’ Heavy album, so perhaps he got a feel for how he produces a record (amazingly in my opinion). Plus I see his credits his producer credits include the band, or a member such as the case here with Ian and Eric sharing producer credits.
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Thanks for that Bop! I bought it on itunes so no credits. I was going to buy the album at the show but it was 40 bucks.
I bought a T-shirt instead as the album is 30 on Amazon. Toss it on my Xmas list along with Triumph’s Classics reissue!
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Not anymore. I checked last night and the vinyl was $49.95 on Amazon (still is today), so I plunked down my $40.
I am re-listening to Too Far Gone and is.it ever friggin’ awesome. That chugging guitar gives me an Ozzy solo or Motley Crue feel. Heavy and awesome.
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Geez I guess you got the deal than! haha
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