One Bad Son
Toronto, Ontario, Canada | MAJOR
Music
Press
Canadian band One Bad Son’s self-titled fourth release is an outstanding album that blazes with true hard-rocking flair, and genuine passion. Already on the first track, straight-up rocker “She’s On Fire”, you can feel the energy and confidence sparking off these guys as they come on with that self-assured “oh yeah”, those pounding drums, that heavy-loaded bass, and those searing guitar riffs.
Drummer Kurt Dahl, guitarist Adam Hicks, bassist Adam Grant, and singer Shane Volk make for a formidable four-man package. There are definite echoes and vibes of 1980s and 1970s hard rock in the band’s sound, and the guys themselves quote influences ranging from Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin, to Guns N’ Roses and Soundgarden. However, this is not a retro band: this is rock that is solidly rooted and grounded in the past, but has a real sense of purpose and personality all its own.
If there is any justice, there are at least two tracks on “One Bad Son” that should be lighting up radio stations and charts all over the place. First off is “Rustbucket”, a terrifically head-banging and hair-shaking, hooky beast of a track that just flashes with so much heavy, riffy satisfaction that it makes you feel good right down to your bones. The second is the mellower power-ballad “Scarecrows” – and if you’re like me, you’ll be humming this beautiful tune to yourself for days after hearing it. Both tracks showcase the band’s musical skills and Shane Volk’s powerful, passionate voice (at times reminiscent of Axl Rose in the good old days) with that strong, sharp edge that cuts just a little deeper.
The rest of the album is good to the core too, with the band mixing up sexy, heavier rocking tunes like “Lie Awake”, with softer tracks like “El Camino”, and making it all come out just right. All of it works: the train-whistle and percussion-powered intro to the excellently catchy “Moneytrain”; the movie-quote that sets up the racing and rollicking “True Grit”; the flash of anger in the lyrics and vocals on “It Ain’t Right”; and the raunchy blues-vibe of “Retribution Blues”.
One Bad Son truly earn their rocker stripes with this album, and they earn them with great riffs and lyrics, lots of sweat and hair, terrific vocals, solid musical chops, and a raw, joyful willingness to just rock out, with all their heart and soul. This is unadulterated, hot-blooded, gutsy rock’n’roll. Give “One Bad Son” a listen, and I think you will be back for more. I know I will.
You can find One Bad Son on their web-page, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out “Scarecrows” and “Rustbucket” right here - Hard Rock Nights
Canadian band One Bad Son’s self-titled fourth release is an outstanding album that blazes with true hard-rocking flair, and genuine passion. Already on the first track, straight-up rocker “She’s On Fire”, you can feel the energy and confidence sparking off these guys as they come on with that self-assured “oh yeah”, those pounding drums, that heavy-loaded bass, and those searing guitar riffs.
Drummer Kurt Dahl, guitarist Adam Hicks, bassist Adam Grant, and singer Shane Volk make for a formidable four-man package. There are definite echoes and vibes of 1980s and 1970s hard rock in the band’s sound, and the guys themselves quote influences ranging from Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin, to Guns N’ Roses and Soundgarden. However, this is not a retro band: this is rock that is solidly rooted and grounded in the past, but has a real sense of purpose and personality all its own.
If there is any justice, there are at least two tracks on “One Bad Son” that should be lighting up radio stations and charts all over the place. First off is “Rustbucket”, a terrifically head-banging and hair-shaking, hooky beast of a track that just flashes with so much heavy, riffy satisfaction that it makes you feel good right down to your bones. The second is the mellower power-ballad “Scarecrows” – and if you’re like me, you’ll be humming this beautiful tune to yourself for days after hearing it. Both tracks showcase the band’s musical skills and Shane Volk’s powerful, passionate voice (at times reminiscent of Axl Rose in the good old days) with that strong, sharp edge that cuts just a little deeper.
The rest of the album is good to the core too, with the band mixing up sexy, heavier rocking tunes like “Lie Awake”, with softer tracks like “El Camino”, and making it all come out just right. All of it works: the train-whistle and percussion-powered intro to the excellently catchy “Moneytrain”; the movie-quote that sets up the racing and rollicking “True Grit”; the flash of anger in the lyrics and vocals on “It Ain’t Right”; and the raunchy blues-vibe of “Retribution Blues”.
One Bad Son truly earn their rocker stripes with this album, and they earn them with great riffs and lyrics, lots of sweat and hair, terrific vocals, solid musical chops, and a raw, joyful willingness to just rock out, with all their heart and soul. This is unadulterated, hot-blooded, gutsy rock’n’roll. Give “One Bad Son” a listen, and I think you will be back for more. I know I will.
You can find One Bad Son on their web-page, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out “Scarecrows” and “Rustbucket” right here - Hard Rock Nights
Sep 20 2012 - On March 22nd 2012 we were out on the streets of Toronto checking out bands playing Canada Music Week 2012. That night, the band we gave our "gig of the night" mention was One Bad Son and had this to say about their set:
"The hard rockers slammed the crowd and we finally got to hear some awesome power rock. I had to double check to make sure it wasn't Axl Rose singing." T-Mak World March 23 2012
We liked the band so much we even featured them on our popular Emerging Artist Spotlight just a few days after we saw them live. Their website gives a fitting description of the band:
The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there’s Vancouver’s One Bad Son: an honest to goodness rock ‘n’ roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through the bullshit with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making.
Singer Shane Volk, drummer Kurt Dahl and guitarist Adam Hicks first joined forces in Saskatoon, SK, in 2004. The three friends moved into a house together, forming a tight-knit brotherhood and spending every free moment jamming and building up a catalog of songs. They independently released the albums This Aggression Will Not Stand in 2006 and Orange City in 2007. But it wasn’t until Adam Grant joined on bass in 2007 that OBS was truly complete.
One Bad Son (the album) is One Bad Son's (the band) fourth offering, the band has released LPs in 2006 and 2007 and one EP in 2010. One Bad Son is being distributed by 604 Records and was produced by Danny Craig in Vancouver.
One Bad Son at Canada Music Week 2012
She's On Fire kicks off the album with a shriek and the sweet sweet sound of electric guitar riffs. I like to write down my initial impression when I am reviewing a CD and what I wrote down half way through this song was "Bon Jovi with Axl Rose". In retrospect what my mind was trying to convey is that this song is slick up tempo rock from (Dahl, Grant and Hicks) but with raw and powerful vocals from (Volk).
London Kills is not as commercially viable as the lead track but for me its a better song. More moody and a throwback to an early 80's hard rock sound (before it became cheezy). The guitar solo in the middle of the song is perfectly positioned and clearly reminds me of why I like this band in the first place. They are real rock and roll the way its meant to be heard.
The next song is Rustbucket and a big highlight of the album. The chorus and the guitars interplay with an uncanny precision. Bordering on progressive rock the song changes tempo and tone more than once. The 1-2-3 punch of the first three songs are an excellent introduction to the band for the uninitiated.
That ain't Queen that is Vancouver's One Bad Son
Slower songs and ballads were a staple of every rock album released in the 80's and One Bad Son makes the trend cool again by slowing down things a bit on Scarecrows, Lie Awake, I'm Still Here and especially on El Camino. It's interesting to hear a hard rock band slow things down to that level but if anything these guys have balls and are not following a prescribed formula book on how to make a rock record in 2012. One thing to note I have referenced Axl Rose vocals a few times so far in this review but go ahead and listen to I'm Still Here and tell me that I'm wrong with pointing out the similarity. Hey Shane next time in Toronto I want to hear you sing "Where do we gooooo now" right in the middle of I'm Still Here! Trust me it will come off amazing.
Closing song Retribution Blues is reminiscent of a good old anthem sing-along. I can totally picture if these guys get big and sell out the ACC this song being the closing song of the night. Massive spotlights on the band, confetti cannons blasting the crowd, a massive party tone with everyone singing the lyrics along with the band. ( Ok, snap myself to reality.)
Verdict: 4 out of 5 Very solid offering from Canadian rockers One Bad Son. Great mix of musical styles and standout tracks are London Kills and I'm Still Here. This record is one of the best indie rock releases we have heard this year and will most likely be on our Top 10 Indie Records of 2012 article. One Bad Son is right up there with Toronto's TimeGiant and Ottawa's Wise, Young & King as our favorite hard rock indie acts.
Tracklist:
1. She’s on Fire
2. London Kills
3. Rustbucket
4. It Ain’t Right
5. Scarecrows
6. True Grit
7. Moneytrain
8. Lie Awake
9. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - www.tmakworld.com
Sep 20 2012 - On March 22nd 2012 we were out on the streets of Toronto checking out bands playing Canada Music Week 2012. That night, the band we gave our "gig of the night" mention was One Bad Son and had this to say about their set:
"The hard rockers slammed the crowd and we finally got to hear some awesome power rock. I had to double check to make sure it wasn't Axl Rose singing." T-Mak World March 23 2012
We liked the band so much we even featured them on our popular Emerging Artist Spotlight just a few days after we saw them live. Their website gives a fitting description of the band:
The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there’s Vancouver’s One Bad Son: an honest to goodness rock ‘n’ roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through the bullshit with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making.
Singer Shane Volk, drummer Kurt Dahl and guitarist Adam Hicks first joined forces in Saskatoon, SK, in 2004. The three friends moved into a house together, forming a tight-knit brotherhood and spending every free moment jamming and building up a catalog of songs. They independently released the albums This Aggression Will Not Stand in 2006 and Orange City in 2007. But it wasn’t until Adam Grant joined on bass in 2007 that OBS was truly complete.
One Bad Son (the album) is One Bad Son's (the band) fourth offering, the band has released LPs in 2006 and 2007 and one EP in 2010. One Bad Son is being distributed by 604 Records and was produced by Danny Craig in Vancouver.
One Bad Son at Canada Music Week 2012
She's On Fire kicks off the album with a shriek and the sweet sweet sound of electric guitar riffs. I like to write down my initial impression when I am reviewing a CD and what I wrote down half way through this song was "Bon Jovi with Axl Rose". In retrospect what my mind was trying to convey is that this song is slick up tempo rock from (Dahl, Grant and Hicks) but with raw and powerful vocals from (Volk).
London Kills is not as commercially viable as the lead track but for me its a better song. More moody and a throwback to an early 80's hard rock sound (before it became cheezy). The guitar solo in the middle of the song is perfectly positioned and clearly reminds me of why I like this band in the first place. They are real rock and roll the way its meant to be heard.
The next song is Rustbucket and a big highlight of the album. The chorus and the guitars interplay with an uncanny precision. Bordering on progressive rock the song changes tempo and tone more than once. The 1-2-3 punch of the first three songs are an excellent introduction to the band for the uninitiated.
That ain't Queen that is Vancouver's One Bad Son
Slower songs and ballads were a staple of every rock album released in the 80's and One Bad Son makes the trend cool again by slowing down things a bit on Scarecrows, Lie Awake, I'm Still Here and especially on El Camino. It's interesting to hear a hard rock band slow things down to that level but if anything these guys have balls and are not following a prescribed formula book on how to make a rock record in 2012. One thing to note I have referenced Axl Rose vocals a few times so far in this review but go ahead and listen to I'm Still Here and tell me that I'm wrong with pointing out the similarity. Hey Shane next time in Toronto I want to hear you sing "Where do we gooooo now" right in the middle of I'm Still Here! Trust me it will come off amazing.
Closing song Retribution Blues is reminiscent of a good old anthem sing-along. I can totally picture if these guys get big and sell out the ACC this song being the closing song of the night. Massive spotlights on the band, confetti cannons blasting the crowd, a massive party tone with everyone singing the lyrics along with the band. ( Ok, snap myself to reality.)
Verdict: 4 out of 5 Very solid offering from Canadian rockers One Bad Son. Great mix of musical styles and standout tracks are London Kills and I'm Still Here. This record is one of the best indie rock releases we have heard this year and will most likely be on our Top 10 Indie Records of 2012 article. One Bad Son is right up there with Toronto's TimeGiant and Ottawa's Wise, Young & King as our favorite hard rock indie acts.
Tracklist:
1. She’s on Fire
2. London Kills
3. Rustbucket
4. It Ain’t Right
5. Scarecrows
6. True Grit
7. Moneytrain
8. Lie Awake
9. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - www.tmakworld.com
TW = This Week's Position · LW = Last Week's Position · = Increase in Airplay Over Last Week · = New Song Debut · = Play Snippet
CANADA: ACTIVE ROCK
TW LW ARTIST Song Title Record Label Radio Spins
1 1 THREE DAYS GRACE Chalk Outline RCA 481
2
2 ROLLING STONES Doom And Gloom ABKCO/Interscope 464
3
4 SOUNDGARDEN Been Away Too Long Seven Four/Republic 437
4
7 BILLY TALENT Surprise Surprise Warner Music Canada 388
5 5 SLASH Standing In The Sun Dik Hayd/EMI/Capitol 386
6 3 BLACK KEYS Little Black Submarines Nonesuch/Warner Bros. 379
7
6 MONSTER TRUCK Righteous Smoke Frontside/Dine Alone 362
8
9 RIVAL SONS Keep On Swinging eOne Music Canada 326
9
10 METALLICA When A Blind Man Cries Eagle/Armoury 258
10
17 THE SHEEPDOGS Feeling Good Warner Music Canada 237
11
11 DANKO JONES Just A Beautiful Day --- 235
12
12 MATT MAYS Take It On Faith Sonic/Warner Music Canada 195
13
14 TREWS Power Of Positive Drinking eOne Music Canada 176
14 13 STONE SOUR Absolute Zero Roadrunner/RRP 161
15
16 GREEN DAY Let Yourself Go Warner Bros. 155
16
21 ONE BAD SON Scarecrows Frontside/604 142
17 15 OUR LADY PEACE As Fast As You Can Coalition 133
18 18 TRAGICALLY HIP Streets Ahead Zoe/Rounder/CMG 109
19
22 BIG WRECK A Million Days Warner Music Canada 100
20 20 RUSH The Wreckers Roadrunner/Anthem/RRP 89
21 19 GREEN DAY Oh Love Reprise/Warner Bros. 82
22
24 MUMFORD & SONS I Will Wait Glassnote 76
23 23 AEROSMITH Lover Alot Columbia 73
24
25 OFFSPRING Turning Into You Columbia 72
25
27 ZZ TOP Chartreuse Universal Republic 55
26
29 VOLBEAT Heaven Nor Hell Republic 53
27
28 AGE OF DAYS Bombs Away Frontside/Cordova Bay 49
28 26 KID ROCK Let's Ride Atlantic/RRP 45
29
30 K-OS Dog Is Mine EMI 40
30
32 DEFTONES Tempest Reprise/Warner Bros. 38
31
34 MUSE Madness Warner Bros. 33
32
44 THE VIRGINMARYS Dead Man's Shoes Wind-up 29
33 31 LED ZEPPELIN Kashmir (Live O2 Arena London) Swan Song/Atlantic 25
34
--- HOLLERADO Pick Me Up Royal Mtn/Arts & Crafts 24
35
46 ALL THAT REMAINS Stand Up Razor & Tie 20
36
41 PAPA ROACH Where Did The Angels Go Sony/RED/Eleven Seven 18
37
37 SHELBI Smooth Whiskey Oddball Productions 17
38
40 THEORY OF A DEADMAN Gentleman Roadrunner/RRP 16
39 38 METRIC Youth Without Youth MMI/Mom + Pop 16
40
48 3 DOORS DOWN One Light Universal 15
41
42 LED ZEPPELIN Rock And Roll (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 15
42 35 LED ZEPPELIN Black Dog (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 15
43 39 JOE WALSH Analog Man Fantasy/CMG 14
44
--- THREE DAYS GRACE High Road RCA 13
45
47 ORGAN THIEVES Phoebe Frontside/Maple Music 13
46
49 LED ZEPPELIN Good Times Bad... (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 12
47
45 LED ZEPPELIN Ramble On (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 12
48
--- LED ZEPPELIN Whole Lotta Love (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 7
49 50 LED ZEPPELIN Stairway To Heaven (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 7
50 43 MOTHER MOTHER Let's Fall In Love Frontside/Last Gang 7
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP SONGS - Mediabase
TW = This Week's Position · LW = Last Week's Position · = Increase in Airplay Over Last Week · = New Song Debut · = Play Snippet
CANADA: ACTIVE ROCK
TW LW ARTIST Song Title Record Label Radio Spins
1 1 THREE DAYS GRACE Chalk Outline RCA 481
2
2 ROLLING STONES Doom And Gloom ABKCO/Interscope 464
3
4 SOUNDGARDEN Been Away Too Long Seven Four/Republic 437
4
7 BILLY TALENT Surprise Surprise Warner Music Canada 388
5 5 SLASH Standing In The Sun Dik Hayd/EMI/Capitol 386
6 3 BLACK KEYS Little Black Submarines Nonesuch/Warner Bros. 379
7
6 MONSTER TRUCK Righteous Smoke Frontside/Dine Alone 362
8
9 RIVAL SONS Keep On Swinging eOne Music Canada 326
9
10 METALLICA When A Blind Man Cries Eagle/Armoury 258
10
17 THE SHEEPDOGS Feeling Good Warner Music Canada 237
11
11 DANKO JONES Just A Beautiful Day --- 235
12
12 MATT MAYS Take It On Faith Sonic/Warner Music Canada 195
13
14 TREWS Power Of Positive Drinking eOne Music Canada 176
14 13 STONE SOUR Absolute Zero Roadrunner/RRP 161
15
16 GREEN DAY Let Yourself Go Warner Bros. 155
16
21 ONE BAD SON Scarecrows Frontside/604 142
17 15 OUR LADY PEACE As Fast As You Can Coalition 133
18 18 TRAGICALLY HIP Streets Ahead Zoe/Rounder/CMG 109
19
22 BIG WRECK A Million Days Warner Music Canada 100
20 20 RUSH The Wreckers Roadrunner/Anthem/RRP 89
21 19 GREEN DAY Oh Love Reprise/Warner Bros. 82
22
24 MUMFORD & SONS I Will Wait Glassnote 76
23 23 AEROSMITH Lover Alot Columbia 73
24
25 OFFSPRING Turning Into You Columbia 72
25
27 ZZ TOP Chartreuse Universal Republic 55
26
29 VOLBEAT Heaven Nor Hell Republic 53
27
28 AGE OF DAYS Bombs Away Frontside/Cordova Bay 49
28 26 KID ROCK Let's Ride Atlantic/RRP 45
29
30 K-OS Dog Is Mine EMI 40
30
32 DEFTONES Tempest Reprise/Warner Bros. 38
31
34 MUSE Madness Warner Bros. 33
32
44 THE VIRGINMARYS Dead Man's Shoes Wind-up 29
33 31 LED ZEPPELIN Kashmir (Live O2 Arena London) Swan Song/Atlantic 25
34
--- HOLLERADO Pick Me Up Royal Mtn/Arts & Crafts 24
35
46 ALL THAT REMAINS Stand Up Razor & Tie 20
36
41 PAPA ROACH Where Did The Angels Go Sony/RED/Eleven Seven 18
37
37 SHELBI Smooth Whiskey Oddball Productions 17
38
40 THEORY OF A DEADMAN Gentleman Roadrunner/RRP 16
39 38 METRIC Youth Without Youth MMI/Mom + Pop 16
40
48 3 DOORS DOWN One Light Universal 15
41
42 LED ZEPPELIN Rock And Roll (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 15
42 35 LED ZEPPELIN Black Dog (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 15
43 39 JOE WALSH Analog Man Fantasy/CMG 14
44
--- THREE DAYS GRACE High Road RCA 13
45
47 ORGAN THIEVES Phoebe Frontside/Maple Music 13
46
49 LED ZEPPELIN Good Times Bad... (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 12
47
45 LED ZEPPELIN Ramble On (Live O2 Arena) Swan Song/Atlantic 12
48
--- LED ZEPPELIN Whole Lotta Love (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 7
49 50 LED ZEPPELIN Stairway To Heaven (Live O2) Swan Song/Atlantic 7
50 43 MOTHER MOTHER Let's Fall In Love Frontside/Last Gang 7
CLICK HERE TO RETURN TO THE TOP SONGS - Mediabase
Sep 20 2012 - On March 22nd 2012 we were out on the streets of Toronto checking out bands playing Canada Music Week 2012. That night, the band we gave our "gig of the night" mention was One Bad Son and had this to say about their set:
"The hard rockers slammed the crowd and we finally got to hear some awesome power rock. I had to double check to make sure it wasn't Axl Rose singing." T-Mak World March 23 2012
We liked the band so much we even featured them on our popular Emerging Artist Spotlight just a few days after we saw them live. Their website gives a fitting description of the band:
The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there’s Vancouver’s One Bad Son: an honest to goodness rock ‘n’ roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through the bullshit with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making.
Singer Shane Volk, drummer Kurt Dahl and guitarist Adam Hicks first joined forces in Saskatoon, SK, in 2004. The three friends moved into a house together, forming a tight-knit brotherhood and spending every free moment jamming and building up a catalog of songs. They independently released the albums This Aggression Will Not Stand in 2006 and Orange City in 2007. But it wasn’t until Adam Grant joined on bass in 2007 that OBS was truly complete.
One Bad Son (the album) is One Bad Son's (the band) fourth offering, the band has released LPs in 2006 and 2007 and one EP in 2010. One Bad Son is being distributed by 604 Records and was produced by Danny Craig in Vancouver.
One Bad Son at Canada Music Week 2012
She's On Fire kicks off the album with a shriek and the sweet sweet sound of electric guitar riffs. I like to write down my initial impression when I am reviewing a CD and what I wrote down half way through this song was "Bon Jovi with Axl Rose". In retrospect what my mind was trying to convey is that this song is slick up tempo rock from (Dahl, Grant and Hicks) but with raw and powerful vocals from (Volk).
London Kills is not as commercially viable as the lead track but for me its a better song. More moody and a throwback to an early 80's hard rock sound (before it became cheezy). The guitar solo in the middle of the song is perfectly positioned and clearly reminds me of why I like this band in the first place. They are real rock and roll the way its meant to be heard.
The next song is Rustbucket and a big highlight of the album. The chorus and the guitars interplay with an uncanny precision. Bordering on progressive rock the song changes tempo and tone more than once. The 1-2-3 punch of the first three songs are an excellent introduction to the band for the uninitiated.
That ain't Queen that is Vancouver's One Bad Son
Slower songs and ballads were a staple of every rock album released in the 80's and One Bad Son makes the trend cool again by slowing down things a bit on Scarecrows, Lie Awake, I'm Still Here and especially on El Camino. It's interesting to hear a hard rock band slow things down to that level but if anything these guys have balls and are not following a prescribed formula book on how to make a rock record in 2012. One thing to note I have referenced Axl Rose vocals a few times so far in this review but go ahead and listen to I'm Still Here and tell me that I'm wrong with pointing out the similarity. Hey Shane next time in Toronto I want to hear you sing "Where do we gooooo now" right in the middle of I'm Still Here! Trust me it will come off amazing.
Closing song Retribution Blues is reminiscent of a good old anthem sing-along. I can totally picture if these guys get big and sell out the ACC this song being the closing song of the night. Massive spotlights on the band, confetti cannons blasting the crowd, a massive party tone with everyone singing the lyrics along with the band. ( Ok, snap myself to reality.)
Verdict: 4 out of 5 Very solid offering from Canadian rockers One Bad Son. Great mix of musical styles and standout tracks are London Kills and I'm Still Here. This record is one of the best indie rock releases we have heard this year and will most likely be on our Top 10 Indie Records of 2012 article. One Bad Son is right up there with Toronto's TimeGiant and Ottawa's Wise, Young & King as our favorite hard rock indie acts.
Tracklist:
1. She’s on Fire
2. London Kills
3. Rustbucket
4. It Ain’t Right
5. Scarecrows
6. True Grit
7. Moneytrain
8. Lie Awake
9. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - T-Mak World
Sep 20 2012 - On March 22nd 2012 we were out on the streets of Toronto checking out bands playing Canada Music Week 2012. That night, the band we gave our "gig of the night" mention was One Bad Son and had this to say about their set:
"The hard rockers slammed the crowd and we finally got to hear some awesome power rock. I had to double check to make sure it wasn't Axl Rose singing." T-Mak World March 23 2012
We liked the band so much we even featured them on our popular Emerging Artist Spotlight just a few days after we saw them live. Their website gives a fitting description of the band:
The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there’s Vancouver’s One Bad Son: an honest to goodness rock ‘n’ roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through the bullshit with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making.
Singer Shane Volk, drummer Kurt Dahl and guitarist Adam Hicks first joined forces in Saskatoon, SK, in 2004. The three friends moved into a house together, forming a tight-knit brotherhood and spending every free moment jamming and building up a catalog of songs. They independently released the albums This Aggression Will Not Stand in 2006 and Orange City in 2007. But it wasn’t until Adam Grant joined on bass in 2007 that OBS was truly complete.
One Bad Son (the album) is One Bad Son's (the band) fourth offering, the band has released LPs in 2006 and 2007 and one EP in 2010. One Bad Son is being distributed by 604 Records and was produced by Danny Craig in Vancouver.
One Bad Son at Canada Music Week 2012
She's On Fire kicks off the album with a shriek and the sweet sweet sound of electric guitar riffs. I like to write down my initial impression when I am reviewing a CD and what I wrote down half way through this song was "Bon Jovi with Axl Rose". In retrospect what my mind was trying to convey is that this song is slick up tempo rock from (Dahl, Grant and Hicks) but with raw and powerful vocals from (Volk).
London Kills is not as commercially viable as the lead track but for me its a better song. More moody and a throwback to an early 80's hard rock sound (before it became cheezy). The guitar solo in the middle of the song is perfectly positioned and clearly reminds me of why I like this band in the first place. They are real rock and roll the way its meant to be heard.
The next song is Rustbucket and a big highlight of the album. The chorus and the guitars interplay with an uncanny precision. Bordering on progressive rock the song changes tempo and tone more than once. The 1-2-3 punch of the first three songs are an excellent introduction to the band for the uninitiated.
That ain't Queen that is Vancouver's One Bad Son
Slower songs and ballads were a staple of every rock album released in the 80's and One Bad Son makes the trend cool again by slowing down things a bit on Scarecrows, Lie Awake, I'm Still Here and especially on El Camino. It's interesting to hear a hard rock band slow things down to that level but if anything these guys have balls and are not following a prescribed formula book on how to make a rock record in 2012. One thing to note I have referenced Axl Rose vocals a few times so far in this review but go ahead and listen to I'm Still Here and tell me that I'm wrong with pointing out the similarity. Hey Shane next time in Toronto I want to hear you sing "Where do we gooooo now" right in the middle of I'm Still Here! Trust me it will come off amazing.
Closing song Retribution Blues is reminiscent of a good old anthem sing-along. I can totally picture if these guys get big and sell out the ACC this song being the closing song of the night. Massive spotlights on the band, confetti cannons blasting the crowd, a massive party tone with everyone singing the lyrics along with the band. ( Ok, snap myself to reality.)
Verdict: 4 out of 5 Very solid offering from Canadian rockers One Bad Son. Great mix of musical styles and standout tracks are London Kills and I'm Still Here. This record is one of the best indie rock releases we have heard this year and will most likely be on our Top 10 Indie Records of 2012 article. One Bad Son is right up there with Toronto's TimeGiant and Ottawa's Wise, Young & King as our favorite hard rock indie acts.
Tracklist:
1. She’s on Fire
2. London Kills
3. Rustbucket
4. It Ain’t Right
5. Scarecrows
6. True Grit
7. Moneytrain
8. Lie Awake
9. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - T-Mak World
After two EPs and one LP over the past five years, Saskatoon-based band One Bad Son have created buzz for their straight-forward, rock ‘n’ roll sound powered by vocalist Shane Volk, who delivers with the voice and attitude of Axl Rose.
Their fourth, self-titled album kicks off with “She’s On Fire,” an up-tempo, electric guitar-fueled song that can often sound noisy and muddled. This is followed up by “London Kills,” which should’ve opened up the album. It is gritty and moody, and in the middle of the song is a guitar solo fitting perfectly within the arrangement.
The third number is “Rustbucket,” a dirty, upbeat, in -your-face scorcher – the clear highlight of this album along with the closing track “Retribution Blues,” both previously released tracks from 2010. “Retribution Blues” is very reminscent of a good old anthem rock song.
Amongst more hair rock goodies in “Moneytrain,” “True Grit,” and “It Ain’t Right,” One Bad Son slows things down with “Scarecrows,” “I’m Still Here,” “El Camino,” and “Lie Awake.” It’s great to hear ballads from a hard rock band, and each track is well placed throughout the album – slowing the pace down at the right moments.
However, at times this LP can sound like too much of a homage to Guns N’ Roses (I can’t help but compare the two bands), a poor man’s version that is.
This comparision is in large part due to Volk’s similar vocals to Axl Rose’s, which is great to hear in 2012, but I think it could keep One Bad Son from developing their own identity. It would be great to hear One Bad Son experiment with other forms of rock that Guns N’ Roses never touched, to add some variety behind Volk’s power vocals, something I believe they can do with their skill set.
Notwithstanding, this is still a good old rock ‘n’ roll album. One Bad Son is a band with loads of potential, and with continued hard work, their fan base is sure to increase.
Track Listing:
01. She’s on Fire
02. London Kills
03. Rustbucket
04. It Ain’t Right
05. Scarecrows
06. True Grit
07. Moneytrain
08. Lie Awake
09. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - http://cadencemag.com
After two EPs and one LP over the past five years, Saskatoon-based band One Bad Son have created buzz for their straight-forward, rock ‘n’ roll sound powered by vocalist Shane Volk, who delivers with the voice and attitude of Axl Rose.
Their fourth, self-titled album kicks off with “She’s On Fire,” an up-tempo, electric guitar-fueled song that can often sound noisy and muddled. This is followed up by “London Kills,” which should’ve opened up the album. It is gritty and moody, and in the middle of the song is a guitar solo fitting perfectly within the arrangement.
The third number is “Rustbucket,” a dirty, upbeat, in -your-face scorcher – the clear highlight of this album along with the closing track “Retribution Blues,” both previously released tracks from 2010. “Retribution Blues” is very reminscent of a good old anthem rock song.
Amongst more hair rock goodies in “Moneytrain,” “True Grit,” and “It Ain’t Right,” One Bad Son slows things down with “Scarecrows,” “I’m Still Here,” “El Camino,” and “Lie Awake.” It’s great to hear ballads from a hard rock band, and each track is well placed throughout the album – slowing the pace down at the right moments.
However, at times this LP can sound like too much of a homage to Guns N’ Roses (I can’t help but compare the two bands), a poor man’s version that is.
This comparision is in large part due to Volk’s similar vocals to Axl Rose’s, which is great to hear in 2012, but I think it could keep One Bad Son from developing their own identity. It would be great to hear One Bad Son experiment with other forms of rock that Guns N’ Roses never touched, to add some variety behind Volk’s power vocals, something I believe they can do with their skill set.
Notwithstanding, this is still a good old rock ‘n’ roll album. One Bad Son is a band with loads of potential, and with continued hard work, their fan base is sure to increase.
Track Listing:
01. She’s on Fire
02. London Kills
03. Rustbucket
04. It Ain’t Right
05. Scarecrows
06. True Grit
07. Moneytrain
08. Lie Awake
09. I’m Still Here
10. El Camino
11. Retribution Blues - http://cadencemag.com
"One Bad Son, hailing from the rock and roll hotspot of Saskatoon, Sask, have only been living and playing in our fair city for a few months. If their last show was any indication, these guys will be moving up the rock and roll ladder very, very quickly." - The Province, Feb/11
"One Bad Son, hailing from the rock and roll hotspot of Saskatoon, Sask, have only been living and playing in our fair city for a few months. If their last show was any indication, these guys will be moving up the rock and roll ladder very, very quickly." - The Province, Feb/11
"its been said that speed kills, however, Led Zeppelin on speed is a different story, and that story begins with these guys, who bring an intensity to the stage that is for once matched by their ability...something not seen lately in indie rock. But that's just it, these guys are bigger than indie rock...[T]hey belong in stadiums and I'll be damned if we don't see them there soon."
- Planet S Magazine, Saskatoon, May/11
"its been said that speed kills, however, Led Zeppelin on speed is a different story, and that story begins with these guys, who bring an intensity to the stage that is for once matched by their ability...something not seen lately in indie rock. But that's just it, these guys are bigger than indie rock...[T]hey belong in stadiums and I'll be damned if we don't see them there soon."
- Planet S Magazine, Saskatoon, May/11
"Saskatoon's One Bad Son had me skeptical at first...[B]ut by the end of their set, they had rekindled my love of hard rock n roll that has some form of intelligence. Now their songs grace my iPod playlists. " - BEATROUTE, Edmonton, May/11
"Saskatoon's One Bad Son had me skeptical at first...[B]ut by the end of their set, they had rekindled my love of hard rock n roll that has some form of intelligence. Now their songs grace my iPod playlists. " - BEATROUTE, Edmonton, May/11
Rock and roll today is often a bit too glossy, a bit too homogenized and sometimes just a tad too safe. One Bad Son takes that notion and kicks it clear across the prairie landscape of their Saskatoon hometown.
Uncompromising in vision and sound, original and rock and roll to the core, it amazes me that they are still flying under the rock and roll radar. With a couple of breaks One Bad Son could very well join the rock and roll greats, not just in Canada but internationally. Great stuff! - www.rockandrollreport.com
Rock and roll today is often a bit too glossy, a bit too homogenized and sometimes just a tad too safe. One Bad Son takes that notion and kicks it clear across the prairie landscape of their Saskatoon hometown.
Uncompromising in vision and sound, original and rock and roll to the core, it amazes me that they are still flying under the rock and roll radar. With a couple of breaks One Bad Son could very well join the rock and roll greats, not just in Canada but internationally. Great stuff! - www.rockandrollreport.com
“the sweatiest, loudest live show I have seen in 5 years" - Georgia Straight, Vancouver, July/11
"easily the most requested song on Rock 102 at the moment…these guys have become the giants of the Saskatoon rock scene"
"Finally a group of guys with their head on straight. A band that loves their fans as much as their fans love them. There is a reason these guys sell a lot of tickets in this city. Genuine music from genuinely good guys. Period."
- Derek Watson, Program Director and Chad McDonald, DJ for Rock 102, Saskatoon, 2011
"easily the most requested song on Rock 102 at the moment…these guys have become the giants of the Saskatoon rock scene"
"Finally a group of guys with their head on straight. A band that loves their fans as much as their fans love them. There is a reason these guys sell a lot of tickets in this city. Genuine music from genuinely good guys. Period."
- Derek Watson, Program Director and Chad McDonald, DJ for Rock 102, Saskatoon, 2011
Discography
This Aggression Will Not Stand - LP
Released May/06
Orange City - LP
Released May/07
The Rustbucket EP - EP
Release July 2010
One Bad Son Self Titled CD
604 Records
Release: September 25, 2012
Photos
Bio
The spectrum of modern rock is typically split into two camps, with slick commercial chart-toppers on one side and flavour-of-the-month indie acts on the other. And then there's Vancouver's One Bad Son: an honest to goodness rock 'n' roll band that occupies a world of its own, cutting through the bullshit with cranked up amps and a resolutely DIY approach to music making.
Singer Shane Volk, drummer Kurt Dahl and guitarist Adam Hicks first joined forces in Saskatoon, SK, in 2004. The three friends moved into a house together, forming a tight-knit brotherhood and spending every free moment jamming and building up a catalog of songs. They independently released the albums This Aggression Will Not Stand in 2006 and Orange City in 2007. Shortly after that sophomore LP, Adam Grant came on board as a full-time bassist and the core lineup was solidified.
One Bad Son's reputation for tight musicianship and explosive live shows spread through word of mouth, and before long, the group was playing to sold out venues in its hometown and embarking on a string of well-received national tours. This propelled the outfit to high-profile opening slots for Godsmack, Buckcherry and Default, and the singles "Rustbucket" and "Retribution Blues" received Canada-wide radio play.
"We're outsiders and we always operate in our own bubble," says Dahl of the band's grassroots origins. "We don't get things handed to us, so we have to work to get them."
The four friends relocated to Vancouver in 2011 a bold move, considering their loyal following in Saskatoon. After a few months of steady gigging, the band had won over a new legion of fans and inked a record deal with the local 604 Records, which will release the band's newly-completed third album.
This eponymous collection, produced by Default drummer Danny Craig, is a culmination of everything the band has achieved in the past eight years. "There's a reason why it's self-titled," explains Volk. "We really feel like this is the new starting point. There was everything that happened before the release of this record and everything that's going to happen after this. This is a true One Bad Son record."
The album channels the electrified energy of the band's thunderous concerts and also adds a new dimension to its diverse sonic pallet. Upbeat scorchers like "Rustbucket" and "She's on Fire" are packed with '70s-inspired hard rock riffs and fretboard fireworks, while the menacing singalong "London Kills" taps into something darker and more groove-based. Elsewhere, the band shows its stylistic breadth with the melancholic ballads "Scarecrows" and "El Camino," the latter featuring little more than an acoustic guitar and a mournful string section.
These passionate and uncompromising tracks are the product of years of devotion to the life of rock 'n' roll. Of course, the guys are no strangers to hard work. "Lyrically, it's a very blue collar record," Volk observes. "I'm a farm kid. Kurt's dad is an auto body man. Adam's dad is a painter. That's what we grew up with. It's a really good reflection of where the band has been the last few years just working, working, working."
Now that the band is finally seeing its labour pay off in the form of a record deal and a quickly expanding fan base, don't expect One Bad Son to ever compromise its independent spirit or timeless approach to rock music. "We're four guys who write all the songs together," Dahl asserts. "We play our own instruments. We don't play to a backing track. We've lived together as a band. We dress ourselves. If that's old fashioned, that explains what the fuck is wrong with rock 'n' roll today."
He continues, "We do it ourselves. There's no one else pulling the strings behind the scenes. We live and breathe this band and these songs. That's what real rock 'n' roll is all about."
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