Back in 2014, when I launched MV, I organised a series of three gigs. It was a horrible experience, and I vowed never to do it again. There was supposed to be a fourth gig, featuring a band from Northern Ireland that I loved. They had emailed me, asking if I knew of a venue in the Midlands where they could perform.
I can’t recall why the Screaming Eagles show didn’t happen as planned, but it would have been brilliant, for sure.
The reason for sharing this story is twofold. First, to illustrate that I have been a long-time fan of the band, and second, to highlight just how long they’ve been active.
“High Class Rock N Roll” is their first release in a long time. The pandemic disrupted their plans, leading them to go their separate ways before regrouping. But now they’re back, under the watchful eye of Will Maya (who produced The Answer’s recent return to form), and they’ve never sounded more focused.
These ten songs are Screaming Eagles doing what they do best. For instance, the opener “Thunder And Lightning” might remind you of AC/DC at first, but by the solo, you won’t care.
The same goes for “.45”, yet it doesn’t matter; it celebrates rock ‘n’ roll. “Rebel” delves into themes of temptation, something we’ve all experienced, while on “Better Days,” the bass groove takes centre stage.
Then there’s “Heart Of Stone,” which gets to the core of it. “I’m a country boy chasing city lights,” sings Chris Fry, and these are rock ‘n’ roll dreamers. It even earns bonus points for sounding like arena-dwelling The Cult.
Elsewhere, bonus points are no higher than “Cry Baby.” This is a riff-based record with echoes of the early Almighty.
The title track, “High Class Rock N Roll,” lives up to its name. It’s mid-paced, and it’s hard to imagine Fry not singing in a rock band.
“Burn It Down” is steeped in a genuine love for the craft, and that’s why it’s so good. It’s authentic, plain and simple.
Even in the deeper cuts, there’s nothing to skip. “Public Enemy,” like the others, does its job, and as for “Hot Stuff,” you can probably guess what to expect from a track with that title on this album. It delivers exactly as it should.
Northern Ireland has produced some wonderful bands, from Rory Gallagher to Therapy? and The Answer. Screaming Eagles are another addition to that list. “High Class Rock N Roll” is simply the sound of a band that loves what they do, and if they weren’t in a band, they’d be enjoying one just like this, although probably not as good.
Rating: 8.5/10
REVIEW: SCREAMING EAGLES – HIGH CLASS ROCK N ROLL (2023)
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