Music
Press
"Rogue Heroes gave the evening a stylistic shift, drawing from the post-punk new wave and focusing nerviness and clipped, driving drumbeats into angsty power-trio rock. With members of Cassavettes dancing like good-natured idiots behind them, they provided a totally different (if neatly complementary) energy to the evening, especially on the Dropkick Murphys-like 'Good Old Boys Don't Die.'" - Boston Globe
Allston’s The Rogue Heroes are one of a select few punk bands that have willingly ventured into new territory, seamlessly blending influences ranging from 50s rockabilly to funk and of course, 70s punk a la early Clash.
Backed by the exceptional rhythm section of Kevin McDevitt and Johnny Boy Clancy, Thomas T. Bomber leads the assault with his clever guitar play and a gravely yet soothing voice which evokes a mix of both Mike Palm of Agent Orange and Mike Ness of Social Distortion. The opening track, “The King is Dead” is a straight-ahead rocker with some cleverly placed harmonies and vocal effects. “Head in the Oven” is by far the most unique track on the album that features a funky beat reminiscent of Stevie Wonder. “Real Good Old Boys Don’t Die” is a romping, sing-along in which the Rogue Heroes pay tribute to the memories of old friends; it’s easy to picture a room full of punks shouting in unison with the booming chorus.
The instruments blend together well on The King is Dead, sounding like one cohesive entity creating an excellent backdrop for Bomber’s unique voice. Overall, this album is chock-full of heavy riffs and excellent vocal melodies accompanied by exceptional harmonizing and a tight rhythm section; it’s also quite refreshing to hear a punk band trying to expand on the sound of their genre, something that so few of their peers attempt these days. (Rogue Empire, Inc.)
- Wayne Raymondo - Performer Mag
Rogue Heroes self-released The King Is Dead and the
band is a somewhat refreshing surprise, considering their rock and punk influences and DIY ethos. Rogue Heroes sure know how to write addicting hooks. Songs like "My Name is Jones" and "Good Old Boys
Don't Die" are prime examples of their swagger inducing rock n' roll
attitude. "The Assassination" is an interesting filler song, mostly
punctuated by noise. They balance out the record well from "Song" to "One More Round for the Road". All of these closers are ballads if I ever
heard any. The King Is Dead isn't perfect by any means, but you can tell these guys have a lot of potential.
-Jose Vela - Dilusions of Adequacey
It’s a sonic journey: each song builds upon what has come before until the listener ends up a little wiser and somewhere entirely different from where the journey began. The band’s own journey involves Wales and New York City; a band can learn a lot about itself during its first world tour—three friends, one hired driver, and the world for their playground. Tommy is the charismatic and affable singer/guitarist. He can really play and write and has a wonderful rock ’n’ roll voice with a larger-than-life personality to match. Kevin McDevitt, drummer and current keeper of the band's cool facial hair, has been friends with Tom for a very long time and only seems slightly understated in comparison to Tom's extreme extroversion. Jonny Clancy, a classically trained musician who tears it up on bass in this trio, is gregarious and passionate, with an easy smile and several talents that he tries to keep well hidden. - The Noise
Discography
The King is Dead featured Stun Gun, Real Good Old Boys Don't Die, and Head in the Oven have received steady airplay on local college stations as well as WFNX and WBCN - Boston. The King is Dead has become a permanent fixture on the Noise Top 30 of local albums based solely on airplay.
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Bio
Hailed as purveyors of the post-punk movement, Rogue Heroes bring their corrupted rendition of old time rock and roll to a new generation of followers.
Since the release of their micro epic debut album “The King is Dead” in November 2007 Rogue Heroes have seen their fan base blow up in a short time. Sold out shows have become the norm for the band in their hometown of Boston, as they has witnessed an insurgence of fans taking over their shows.
Standing tall amongst the vast crowd of bands, the Rogue Heroes have distinguished themselves with their 50’s gangster look, infectious hooks, and an electrifying live performance that has earned the respect of their peers and critics alike. “The Roggies” as fans refer to them affectionately, stand by the belief that there is a difference between rock bands and rock and roll bands. Their formulaic songs cut to the chase, without sacrificing drama or the element of surprise. While their presentation is executed with cut throat precision that would make Joe Strummer proud.
Each of these young artists brings his own unique style and personality to the table. T Bomber is a frantic front man. On stage he can inspire chaos or center the room with his composure. A notorious insomniac, he is constantly creating new material, making remixes of past recordings, or spray-painting the band’s logo (Elvis through a sniper scope) in the alleyways and overpasses of Boston. Kevin is a sensible wolf in sheep’s clothing. As a drummer, Kev likes to push things to the edge take a quick look around and then jump right off. As the driver, he dictates the energy of the live show. Jonny is an act now think later kind of guy. A determined player with motor fingers of a metal god, Jonny is a passionate performer who manages to make it look easy. With his bass slung below his waistband and a rock and roll swagger that ignites the band’s natural onstage chemistry.
What lies ahead for the Rogue Heroes? History tells the tale. When you mix raw talent and hell bent performance with a destructive personality you get Heroes of Rock.
You get Rogue Heroes.
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