SONIC FUEL “Sonic Fuel”

Self-released, 2021

Music: Classic Rock / Hard Rock
Website: www.sonicfuelmusic.com
Duration: 40:00 (10 tracks)
Country: U.S.A.

It was when I listened to “Karma” when I had my mind affixed to Sonic Fuel, and having big expectations for them this year in the Rock and Metal industry. Needless to say, they exceeded my expectations, and went above and beyond sonically, and lyrically on their self-titled effort released last month. You may ask, what made me feel as if they were going to make it big, that too after listening to one single. Well…there are many reasons. First of all, I liked their style – straightforward Classic Rock with no “adulterations”. Sounds harsh, but, the reality is that the addition of electronics has made the Rock industry saturated and unoriginal.

Let’s get specific – and talk about the album rather than “spewing hatred” on what modern rock has become. “Sonic Fuel” has 10 tracks, featuring many guest artists all through. The band, originally encompassing 4 members with David Hales fronting, you will also hear the expertise of people like Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt/Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section), Damon Johnson (Alice Cooper, Brother Cane, Thin Lizzy, Lynyrd Skynyrd) and Andy Wood (Rascal Flatts, Sebastian Bach, Suhr Guitars). Their excellence has kept a good balance between heaviness and mellowness. Starting the album with “Good Things”, the band shows their melodic side, but when it gets to “The Brink”, gears change and before you even know Sonic Fuel is going overdrive with heavy riffs and catchy choruses.

The fact that this balance is maintained properly throughout the album surprised me. Because it is easy to have the members within the band play a specific style, but having a collection of guest artists and communicating the intent properly with them, is extraordinary. My favourite track from this album stays “Karma”, the single before the album release. Although all the ten tracks are great, it is “Karma” that perfectly shows the band’s sound in just 3 minutes. An anthemic track that has a driving chorus and a catchy guitar hook. I would also recommend you check out the music video for this one. You’ll see Sonic Fuel don the personality of a Rock and Roll saviour, helping a child know his priorities and why Rock and Roll is not as bad as many think.

Overall, this album has ignited my interested in Sonic Fuel, and you could also say that it re-ignited my love for Classic Hard Rock. There was a time when I used to play the good old Stone Temple Pilots, Good Charlotte, Shinedown, and Seether – seems as if it is time to dig deep into the Hard Rock scene and find more gems like Sonic Fuel. Of course, every one of them will be shared with you all, here at Metal Centre! Till then, adios!

Tracklist:

1. Good Things
2. Wild and Free
3. I Believe
4. The Brink
5. I Will Rise
6. It’s Life
7. Karma
8. Want To
9. Tune In
10. Scream

Line-up:

David Hales – Guitars, Lead/Backing Vocal
Chris Robbins – Drums, Guitars
Burton Akers – Bass
Julius Blue – Keyboards, Piano