The Sideshows “S/T”

We’re not sure if we should describe The Sideshows as a super group. It may not be from a commercial perspective. But, if you’re a lover of sleazy rock n roll and power pop and hear that it comprises members of bands like Hanoi Rocks, The Loyalties and Rich Ragany & The Digressions, then you’d certainly agree this is a mouthwatering prospect. That’s particularly true for us where Hanoi Rocks are one of our favourite bands of all time; The Yo Yo’s made one of the best ever albums and Rich Ragany is the only rock n roller we know who hails out of our hometown (and very un-rock n roll) Leamington Spa!

We absolutely love an album that kicks off with a bang and that’s certainly the case here with the bombastic “Brand New”. That’s a pretty appropriate title, as although it’s a classic glammy rock n roll style song, it sure sounds fresh and new. What we love about songs like “Our Love In The Shadows” and “Smoke Show” is that they perfectly show the heritage of the individual artists that make up The Sideshows. They have both the scuzzy rock n roll sound of Hanoi Rocks but with the added power pop melody that Rich Ragany has peppered all his releases with.

Although we have to say the songs that really hit the spot with us, are those which allow that ‘power pop’ feel to really shine. One of which is the brilliant “Not Sorry” a song that will have you bopping along. Together with “Say Goodbye On A Night Like This”, these are songs built for sound tracking good times and will have you playing at full volume in your car. A special mention should also go to the track “Rock And Roll Owes Me An Apology”. From the title through to undercurrent of an Eastern influence this feels like a modern take on a Johnny Thunders esque rock n roll song (with some added Ramones punk thrown in).

They also keep things interesting by throwing in a song like “The Start” which has a darker tone and, dare we say it, a more ‘mature’ sound. It actually reminds us of the kind of ballad style that the legendary Michael Monroe has shown on classics like “The Man With No Eyes”. Similarly, “This Could Be Everything” is an anthemic song that back in the day would’ve been huge when played on heavy rotation on MTV.

Another thing we love about this album is they’ve kept it to ten tracks of great rock n roll. It’s a no messing, no filler slice of rock music which is both classic but also feels fresh and exciting. How good is this album? Well, let’s just say it stands shoulder to shoulder with some of the best releases that these artists have been involved in before. That’s a pretty big compliment when you consider that includes the legendary Hanoi Rocks!