Saturday 4 March 2017

ST. DUDE - The Rise of Riff City (Album Review)


Release date: February 26th 2017. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

The Rise Of Riff City – Tracklisting

1.Refugees 03:29
2.Shellshock 03:43
3.Night Of The Dragon 05:32
4.Atom Smasher 03:58
5.Utopia 03:19
6.Thus Drove Ryan Gosling 05:16

Band Members

Dude Prime - Vocals
Cider Houserules - Guitar
Vinnie Villain - Guitar
The A Team - Bass
Silver Steel - Drums

Review

The dudes from St. Dude have just released their kick-ass debut album – The Rise Of Riff City. It's an album that more than lives up to it's title. St. Dude have created an album that will entertain from start to finish. Expect heavy Sludge/Stoner Rock grooves with slight touches of Alt Rock and Blues.

Opening track – Refugees – sets the scene for the remainder of the album as St. Dude explore echoes of early Alter Bridge but with a heavy Sludge/Stoner Rock outlook. It's a fast paced ride with some heavy duelling guitars leading the way. The vocals from Dude Prime are very good for the most part. There are a few rough moments here and there but St. Dude still impress.

Second track – Shellshock – carries on the fast-paced Sludge/Stoner Rock but this time with a 90s Alt Rock feel. Dude Prime feels influenced by Chris Cornell at times with his vocals reminiscent of 90s era Soundgarden. The music veers into classic rock/grunge territory before moving back to the familiar Sludge/Stoner Rock vibes.

The first two tracks show you what the rest of the songs sound like. Tracks such as Night Of The Dragon, Atom Smasher and Thus Drove Ryan Gosling show St. Dude's love for things such as 80s TV, Sci-fi, Movies and classic sounding music. With genres such as Grunge, Classic Rock and Blues making a welcome appearance especially on Night of The Dragon and Thus Drove Ryan Gosling.

St. Dude are never going to change the world with their music but they will offer you a damn good time with this exceptionally well crafted and produced debut album. The album may have a slight commercial rock feel at times but at least St. Dude still embrace their heavy Sludge/Stoner Rock roots when it matters the most. When the heavy riffs do appear it's hard not to be swept away by it all.

The Rise Of Riff City is one wild ride and I urge you all to check this great band out now.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

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