A highly recommended album.
Gasoline Outlaws formed in Belfast in 2014 and released their debut album 'No Rules, No Laws, No Regrets' in 2015. The group's line-up comprises vocalist Matt Fitzsimons, his bassist brother Chris, guitarist Adam Parkin and drummer Ryan Hood. Their sophomore record 'Light Up The World' was initiated through a highly successful Pledge campaign, but the band became victims of the well-documented problems with PledgeMusic and thus were forced into self-funding the release and its ensuing promotion. Basically, you need to go out and buy this album, not just because you sympathise with the problems the group have endured, but because it's a pretty cracking Rock record!
Not that 'No Rules...' was a bad release by any means, but 'Light Up The World' is a big, bold step forward that musically diversifies their sound with its variation of moods and tempos. The maturity in the band's song-writing is clear to see in their lyrics as they reflect upon the state of the world today, ranging from climate change and war to financial greed. The guitar work of Parkin is an absolute revelation throughout which simply adds to the enjoyment.
The opening title-track draws you in with its Punk-infused marching rhythm, whilst 'Livin' This Way' is all groove 'n' swagger. 'The System Is A Lie' introduces an acoustic guitar strum and tune reminiscent of Thin Lizzy (natch) at their commercial peak, and 'Better Days Coming' (a duet with fellow Irish singer Amy Montgomery) is a melody-filled rocker. The closing cut 'Hard Times' is a slow-burner tinged with a Southern Rock sound, whereas 'Psycho' and 'Breathe Again' are the heaviest cuts on this release that both hark back more to the debut. On the flip side, the ballads are of top-drawer quality; 'Executed' is a stripped-back and acoustic-led affair that is underpinned by a lovely piano melody (thus allowing Fitzsimons to really shine), while 'Where We Started' is simply immense with its sweeping orchestration and beautiful melody – this is probably the one track that signifies the biggest step forward in Gasoline Outlaws' song-writing talents.
Overall, 'Light Up The World' is a highly recommended album; it also comes with some brilliant cover artwork too!
Ant Heeks
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