Review Summary: hardcore punk mixed with old school rock and roll for an amazing outcome of fast-paced, energetic classics
Bullets and Octane are a hard rock/punk band based in Orange County California. This is their debut album (although they previously released an EP: One night stand rock n' roll band)
Bullets and Octane are:
Gene Louis - Lead Vocals
James Daniel - Guitar
Brent Clawson - Bass Guitar
Ty Smith - Drums
( this may not be the correct line-up for this album, the album itself doesn't tell you the band members)
The Revelry is one of the most original, fast-paced, energetic albums I've heard in a long time, Bullets and Octanes sound is similar to social distortion, however it's faster, heavier and not country-influenced like SxDx. They mix an old school rock and roll/punk influence with a more modern gritty hard-rock sound.
From the second the album starts, you're already introduced to Ty Smiths amazing energetic drumming, which drives every track on this album beautifully. The guitar and bass work is also brilliant, the guitars blowing away any average punk band, and also seeming to have a slight metal influence, a la motorhead. The bass, although not spectacular, is almost always doing its own thing, which compliments the guitar perfectly. The guitar leads most tracks, however in many the bass takes over, although the guitar solos and riffs make sure it's always interesting.
Anyway, on to one of the greatest aspects of this album: Gene Louis' vocals.
In my opinion, he's one of the greatest singers at this moment in time. His voice is a bit reminiscent of avenged sevenfold, however there's no screaming, and he also has a slightly punk edge to them. His vocal skills are demonstrated wonderfully on
Pirates, with the infectious "ladadaladidadada" at the start that is probably the highlight of the whole album.
Lyrically, he also excels, although the meaning of most songs is pretty hard to decipher, many seem to be about love.
Bad things to bad people is almost funny, talking about getting revenge on someone, although with lyrics like: "I'll put your daddy in the microwave" It's kinda hard to take seriously.
Highlights of this album are definitely the extremely catchy
Pirates with the great intro/bridge which will stay in your head for days and
Waste away with amazing guitar and drums throughout, one of the most powerful songs on the album. Amongst many others seeing as with only 10 tracks, you won't find any filler in here.
Ok, I'm tryin hard to think of negative aspects, and I guess you could say that some songs sound a bit similar. Also with only 10 tracks, it ends after less than half an hour and you're left wanting more.
All in all, I think this is an amazing album, that I could listen to for days on end. Some of the most energetic songs around, never a boring point.
Recommendations:
-Pirates
-Save me sorrow
-Waste away
-Return
