THIRD BULLET - review added 16th September 2009
Album Review: Revelations (2009)
For fans of: Alt Metal... and Harley Davidson
Third Bullet are a band you probably haven't heard of...yet.
They are already making waves in certain circles and, with some of the music on this album, it's no great surprise. To their name they already have the theme tune for a Harley Davidson commercial and an 'enter the cage' song for Ultimate Fighting Championship competitor Paul Taylor.
Hailing from Birmingham in the UK, Third Bullet is James Harbidge (vocals and guitar), Stephen Busby (bass and vocals) and Matthew Challoner (drums and vocals).
The sound is a controlled raw heavy rock with nods to rap metal, balladry and, possibly, armageddon. There's some loud sh*t on Revelations alright, but it's kept in check with some neat arrangements and impressive musicianship. James Harbidge's voice is surprisingly good. The vocals are so often a weak link on albums like this - up and coming young bands with plenty of attitude - but not here. He's no Michael Bolton but, to be honest, I doubt he'd want to be.
Opening track 'My Deviation' is like a modern powerful take on indie music. Think Oasis minus the obnoxious attitude...plus some humongous amps...and you'll have the right idea. 'Resistance Is Futile' is the track from the Harley ad and it's easy to see why. The lyrics, meaty bubbling riff and Rage Against The Machine stylings are built for a rampage in the great outdoors. It's a song with a superb badass attitude; you can't help but love it.
The title track is a power ballad with the emphasis firmly on POWER! It's a slow moody track that grows on you like an attractive wart - it's not a song you'll ever love but there's something about it that appeals. 'It Keeps Me Awake' is a fine song, but misses that big hook to grab your attention. Cool soloing though. No such problem for 'This Life'; it's more hooked up than a well endowed fishing box. The harmonies are particularly noteworthy - it would be good to see Third Bullet using them more.
'Clip My Wings' is punky and cool but doesn't do a lot for me. The understated 'Something Sinister' is even cooler, and boy does it know it. This is another track I could imagine in an advert - probably for sunglasses, jeans or a £3000 mobile phone. 'Falling Down' is a bass-heavy mid-paced track with an epically anthemic structure. The underlying rhythm is immense and leaves James to pump his all into a hugely passionate vocal performance. The result is bloody good.
'Retreat' sounds as non-exciting as root canal work in places. Every so often the track lets rip and suddenly makes sense, but those moments are fleeting. 'Day By Day' sounds like Soundgarden impersonating the Rolling Stones doing a Bob Dylan track in the style of Green Day. It's another excellent song and closes the album in style.
We like this album. There are no absolute monster tracks, but there are plenty that get chuffing close. Third Bullet have got to be one of the more exciting young British bands around at the moment. Revelations isn't quite a revelation, but Third Bullet certainly are.
Check out... Paul Taylor's theme tune. It's not on here...
Track List:
01. My Deviation
02. Resistance Is Futile
03. Revelations
04. It Keeps Me Awake
05. This Life
06. Clip My Wings
07. Something Sinister
08. Falling Down
09. Retreat
10. Day By Day
Artist's website(s): MySpace
