Together for eight years and based in the small, but very hard rockin’ town of Temple in central Texas, Slickfist proves in this release, “Subharmonic Addiction”, to be true to their roots: a different but welcomed raw power rock that subtlety grows on you to the point of your wanting to go back for more and not really being able to describe why. It’s a special feeling, a quaintness, a connection, a sort of “home-like” familiarity beckoning that makes both the band and their hometown stand out in a special and unexplainable kind of way. Simply put, I was in Temple, Texas once not too long ago, and for some reason have a desire to go back there and revisit the place.
“Subharmonic Addiction” being their second full (11 tracks) album, Slickfist definitely does not fall within the description of being in the typical “sophomore slump”. Far from it. This release is a very stylishly mixed and forceful hard rock compilation of work. Produced by Bobby Blotzer, formally of the band Ratt, this is one of the most well produced, powerfully refined cd’s out there that comes from an “indie” label. Showcasing outstanding guitar riffs by lead guitarist, Lee Williams and rhythm guitarist/lead singer, Bill Lutz and a power-packed low end provided by bass player, Chris Farrell and drummer, Tom Gidley, this cd recharges “back to basics” hard rock.
For me, the vocal and guitar harmonies on these tracks are especially outstanding. Rather than the usual hard rock screeching and screaming that make my ears bleed and ring for days, it’s quite pleasant to know that there are still bands out there that can still make metal rock without doing permanent damage to one of my major senses. Throughout most of this cd I heard the influences of Ted Nugent, Quiet Riot and of course, Ratt, particularly on the songs, “Who Do You Think I Am” and “Break Me Down”.
Other songs of notice in this collection include the addiction fueled, “Get Off” and some nice vocal effects used in “Don’t Break Me Down”. The only cover tune done on this album has got to be one of the best renditions of The Eagles, “Those Shoes” that I’ve ever heard. Very worthy of making a place for on this collection of tunes and definitely worth buying the entire album for.
www.myspace.com/slickfistband
Fansite: www.reverbination.com/slickfist
Booking/Management Info: Rita Hogan –rhogan@hot.rr.com
Where To Purchase: Online at Amazon.com, CD Baby, BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com, Napster, ITunes.com, Rhapsody.com
