Could be described as Jack Daniels for your ears – it kicks hard but is oh so good.
Bottoms Up, formed in 2004, is a trio of seasoned East Coast music veterans. The band – Eddie Jean, Jéan "Boomer" Grenier and Brent "Wildman" Enman, based out of New Hampshire – all cut their musical teeth in many well-known US outfits, and now have an ever-growing worldwide fan base. This album is the follow-up to 2014's 'Face Down' and brings together all the ingredients needed for good Hard Rock into an interesting and exciting package.
Jean's classic guitar sound pulls in influences from KISS, Guns 'N' Roses and Dokken, with a driving, harmonic-filled dynamic on the first track 'Throwin' Me Away'. Jean is no slouch as a vocalist either, however, it has to be said, the rest of the band's harmonies aren't as strong as they could be here. 'Walkin' With Me' corrects matters and sees some great guitar which the late, great Jeff Healey would be proud of. Slowing the pace comes 'I Don't Know My Name', a soulful, gentler affair and has the style of Enuff Z' Nuff who they have supported on tour. Several tracks come across as strong, commercial and well-constructed tracks that are guaranteed to get your feet tapping, 'Be My Girl' being the first, and the heavier, thunderous 'Magic Spell' will get your head banging too.
The Bottoms Up sound takes all the best parts of seventies and eighties Rock and gives it a fresh new polish; melodic vocal hooks, screaming guitar solos, sweet harmonies and a close-knit rhythm section are all found here, together producing a high-quality groove throughout the album. Elements of so many great Rock bands can be found within their songs and they come from a band whose musical experience spans several decades. 'China White' brings in an early Van Halen guitar/drums feel and mixes with Jean's voice which really has a Sammy Hagar-esque tone to it. Bringing in more Van Halen style with some flanged riffs and a pounding fast beat is 'Smashed American Pie'; is this a close cousin to a certain food-based Warrant song?
This is definitely a "good time" album, and it's clear the boys had a blast while making it. It could be described as Jack Daniels for your ears – it kicks hard but is oh so good!
Paul Sabin
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