Already released in the UK during July of last, the rest of the world can now also enjoy the debut full-length of this Finnish Hard Rock trio, which was founded back in 2009 with the current line-up of lead singer/ guitarist Makey RS, bassist Jake, and drummer/ backing singer Jukkis.
As a precursor to the album, the guys already released a one-track single (and only official release prior to the album – there was actually also a self-released EP entitled Bulletproof, released in 2010) “In The Eye Of The Wind”, which has gotten radio airplay not only in their home country but also in Germany, Greece, Italy, France, The UK, America, and Mexico (in the last case, that was during a special show where the band was not only interviewed, but was also given the chance to air some of their older songs).
On their official website (www.) facebook.com/roadsidestory, you'll find the band has played gigs all over Finland with many fifferent styles of Rock acts and in different conditions, goin' from backyards to actual venues and festivals. You'll also find the guys present themselves as playing music with influences from many different (Hard Rock) bands over different decades, without following trends, and adding something of their own. On the band's page at their label's site, you'll find a statement saying “Roadside Story is honest to their music and to all things they do...”...and here's some comments to that.
First, the “honesty” approach! Can anyone tell me how a trio with only one guitar is gonna accomplish bringing music which clearly needs a rhythm as well as a lead/ solo guitarist, without either using samples, or an extra guitarist (playing either on stage as an unofficial 4th member, or hidden in the backstage)? Secondly, that “something of their own”! If by that, the guys mean the fact that they do not quite speak the English language quite well, leading to speaking it with a little accent which is somewhat hard to place, than that statement is quite correct. Otherwize, whatever the trio does has been done time and again by numerous bands. Don't get me wrong here though: what they do is relatively well-done! Great guitar melodies based on catchy rhythms and nice lead/solo play on top, with good harmony vocals where needed! The frontman's singing is not especially extraordinary, but he delivers a passable job indeed. For your introduction to the band's music, check the “iTunes” section of the aforementioned facebook page, to listen to 30-second samples of all 8 album tracks. Oh...before I forget, the possibility to check out two songs full-length: the guys have already filmed two official music clips, one for that first single, the other for the album's opening track “A Million Voices”, and both can be found on YouTube, apparently. Check it out!