“When this fucking riff kicks in, I want to see everyone jumping,” snarls Dirty Honey frontman Marc LaBelle as the band tears into “Won’t Take Me Alive.” Like there’s a choice. This is rock ‘n’ roll designed to grab you by the throat — loud, loose, and laced with danger.
Dirty Honey have long flirted with the idea of being the modern rock band, and Mayhem and Revelry makes a hell of a case. The swagger of “California Dreamin’” remains intact, its solo soaked in the promise of sleazy, late-night rock ‘n’ roll debauchery. “Heartbreaker” leans into the blues with style, while the brand new “Dirty Mind” proves this is no nostalgia act — the groove is fresh, confident, and very much 2025.
“Tied Up” gets the crowd involved like a seasoned call-and-response anthem should, while “Coming Home” slows the tempo and shows the band’s more reflective side. “Another Last Time” hits that sweet spot between ballad and banger — the kind of song Bon Jovi would’ve gone gold with in 1994.
But Dirty Honey don’t just rock — they’ve got soul, too. “Rolling 7’s” remains a standout, all smoky charm and vintage cool.
The second half of the record, pulled from UK and European shows, takes the energy up another notch. There’s something about the transatlantic reception that fires the band up. “Can’t Find the Brakes” explodes with joy, while “Satisfied” drips with confidence. “Roam” hints at wider horizons — expansive, ambitious, and radio-ready in the best way — and “The Wire” hammers the point home.
“Don’t Put Out the Fire” is a soulful stomp, reminiscent of The Black Crowes at their most impassioned. The band knows it too — the crowd in Italy is right there with them. “Scars” heads down a more mystical path, echoing the likes of Rival Sons, before jamming itself straight into a blistering rendition of “When I’m Gone,” channelling the mighty Led Zeppelin.
Mayhem and Revelry is everything rock ‘n’ roll should be in 2025: dangerous, dirty, and delivered with a grin. Dirty Honey aren’t just living it — they’re leading it.
Rating 9/10
