SHOTGUN ALLEY - Dying To Survive (2012)

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This is not fair.
SHOTGUN ALLEY, one of the best, new promising Melodic Rock AOR bands has parted ways.
In fact, they were more than a promise, as their two previous albums (presented here at 0dayrockz) were rated - specially the self-titled debut - amongst the Top-10 of the year.

The band from New Zealand have been working in L.A. on new material for the last 6-8 months and they figure that instead of locking away all the songs, all of them should be in hands of the fans.
So as a parting gift, Shotgun Alley's new and last album "Dying To Survive" will be available (only for their website registered members) for free download, for a limited time.
Regardless of what made the band pull the plug, Shotgun Alley achieved a lot in three years: three albums, gigs with Def Leppard, ZZ Top, Slash, Steel Panther, and Alice Cooper, and a lot of fans all over the world.

"Dying To Survive" shows how Shotgun Alley has matured in an incredibly short period of time.
This final album retains all the elements of the band; Arena / Stadium anthems, catchiness, punch, but now even more Melodic Rock / AOR oriented.
The album shoots out of the gate with "Back In Style", a tune with a feverish pulse pumped up by racing guitars and dynamic keyboards.
Next track "Youth United" also showcases the band's bold, glossy AOR-vibe and that energizing, joyous spark. Strong guitars and a juicy, harmonized sing-along chorus.

Pure Melodic Rock arrives with the bouncy "Run", and then "NO!" makes you ask why this band called its quits. This is a fantastic, killer radio-ready melodic rocker with a monster rhythm and a top class chorus that H.E.A.T would have love to put out. Awesome.
Of course the album also has some beautiful power ballads like the midtempo "Closer" adorned with keys and clean guitars ala Def Leppard, and later "Breathing" that show off the band's softer side with pianos and acoustic guitars.

But there's also more rocking stuff to enjoy from this great band that never included a single filler in their CD's.
Do you want some Euro Melodic Rock influenced tracks? There's the feel-good "Test Of Time" with a great vibe and punch.
The fast and fiery "Escape" rocks with some scorching hot guitars, and "Gunshot" is a total pumpin' anthemic track that comes on strong and won't let you go.
For the end we the have the groovy, semi-midtempo "Explode" plenty of hymn-like backing vocals and where the band shows they were exploring different sounds adding modern twists both in the compositon and the arrangements.


After listening "Dying To Survive" it's easy to feel sad and disappointed that a band that had this much talent and radiated this much positive energy is no more.
Shotgun Alley were GREAT, and "Dying To Survive" is a clear example of this statement.
A terrific melodius yet punchy collection of Melodic Rock AOR songs to die for. Anthemic, catchy, smoothly arranged and played tunes with a superb polished production.
We will miss you guys.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


01 - Back In Style
02 - Youth United
03 - Run
04 - No!
05 - Closer
06 - Test Of Time
07 - Escape
08 - Gunshot
09 - Breathing
10 - Explode

Mark Falcon - Vocals
Jimmy Wong - Keyboards
Josh Grant Betty - Bass
Bahador Borhani - Guitar
Davie Love - Guitar
Karl Woodhams - Drums


Not for Sale

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SHOTGUN ALLEY - Damnation (2012)

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On the previous post we have presented SHOTGUN ALLEY's debut.
Now they are are ready for a second shot of Melodic Hard Rock with a new CD to be released in October.
As appetizer, Shotgun Alley are distributing promotional material from the upcoming album, entitled "Damnation EP", but in fact is almost a full length as it includes 8 tracks.

Now based in Los Angeles and with new drummer, Shotgun Alley continue with their trademark stadium Melodic Hard Rock now spiced with some modern sounds but firmly planted in the Sunset Strip '80s / '90s style.
The fun is still here, full of huge guitars, choruses and melodies.
I can't help, but again I love all the tunes, from the party hard rocker "Nitro-Dan", the awesome Def Leppard-like midtempo ballad "Ray Of Light" to the awesome epicness of "The Dream" (terrific track).

If you have tasted Shotgun Alley's self-titled (and I strongly urge you to do it) you can't pass this "Damnation EP".
Shotgun Alley rocks!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


01 - Damnation
02 - Nitro-Dan
03 - Scapegoat
04 - Ray Of Light
05 - Zombies
06 - The Dream
07 - The Truth
08 - The Stroke (Billy Squier cover)


Mark Falcon - Vocals
Jimmy Wong - Keyboards
Josh Grant Betty - Bass
Bahador Borhani - Guitar
Davie Love - Guitar
Karl Woodhams - Drums







Released date TBA

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SHOTGUN ALLEY - ST (2012)

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SHOTGUN ALLEY formed mid 2009 in New Zealand - an atypical land for Melodic Hard Rock - but trust me, these guys know how to rock in the best '80s tradition.
At the very end of 2011 the band released their self titled debut locally, and now has been remixed and published by an European label. And more than that... Shotgun Alley got ready a brand new one.

Some of Shotgun Alley's members have Maori forefathers, but they music is awesomely based on pure '80s Arena Rock plenty of killer choruses and soaring melodies.
They had already completed various New Zealand & Australian tours and opened for Alice Cooper, Steel Panther and Def Leppard among others so things are looking bright for the six-piece.
The bulk of the music for their debut album "Shotgun Alley" was recorded in Los Angeles, then finished in Auckland, produced, mixed & mastered by keyboardist Jimmy Wong.

This is an extremely polished, luxurious collection of terrific catchy tunes with huge guitars, bombastic drums, punchy keybords, excellent lead and backing vocals and an enviable catchiness.
Honestly, I can't find a sole track in this debut that does not oozes quality.
Songs as the irresistible foot-tapping "Want This", "Give It All Up For Rock", "Walk Away" or "Look At Me Now" are simply marvelous examples of pure Stadium Rock, spoting huge, I mean HUGE choruses and stabbing guitar attack.

"Waiting To Fly" is just a perfect combination of hard hot riffs, monster backing vocals and a melody to die for. A perfect Hard Rock tune. Believe me: Perfect.
And next they deliver the incredible "Suicide Boulevard"... what were they thinking? A killer one after a killer one? This is too much... no wait.. thanks guys!... this is a heavenly pleasure.
Shotgun Alley may recall Def Leppard or they neighbors White Widdow, but they're even more impactful, melodious and fun.
The band is able to write awesome midtempo ballads as well, as the ready-for-radio "Eventually" and "Heart Like Glass", or synth filled pure melodic rockers such as "I Came Here To Love You".


I can't recommend you Shotgun Alley enough.
This is the kind of Arena / Stadium Melodic Hard Rock we love; catchy, melodious, polished yet punchy... just AWESOME with capitals.
As said, I can't find a failure here, this is simply an oustanding debut - a Hit after Hit.
In my Top-10 this year. Period.
HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


01 - Universe
02 - Want This
03 - Walk Away
04 - Give It All Up For Rock
05 - Eventually
06 - Look At Me Now
07 - I Came Here To Love You
08 - Waiting To Fly
09 - Suicide Boulevard
10 - Heart Like Glass
11 - All We Know
12 - Can't Stop The Rock


Mark Falcon - Vocals
Jimmy Wong - Keyboards
Josh Grant Betty - Bass
Bahador Borhani - Guitar
Davie Love - Guitar
Scotty Rocker - Drums










BUY IT !
www.musicbuymail.eu/?i=37011

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