Review: Dead Man’s Whiskey – In The Storm

McCall Records (September 29^th 2023)

Reviewer: Grant Foster

I’m confused.

I took this album to review having previously bought ‘Under The Gun‘ and the EP ‘Breakout‘ by these boys.

They had this hard gritty feel to them. Definitely modern hard rock. Admittedly I’m an old school, blue collar rocker. But I liked the cut of these lads jib.

And I was really looking forward to hearing ‘In The Storm‘.

Oh dear.

The album is produced by Chris Clancy and Colin Richardson who have worked with Machine Head, Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine and Those Damn Crows.

Sonically, it hits all the right spots for a rock band.

But, does anyone remember a band called Four Wheel Drive? Came out all guns blazing, rocking, like a U.K. Airbourne. Then a management/production company comes along, whispers in their ears, promising them Christ knows what and next thing they are called City of Thieves and recorded an album that was nowhere near the style or the quality of FWD.

Look, I’m not saying this is what has happened to Dead Man’s Whiskey, but there is a style change to my ears on this album. It now sits alongside the style of the names that their producers have worked with. Grungy, heavier, nowhere near the style that their previous work had at best only hinted at.

I’m really not impressed. I hope it works for them, I really do. It’s not my bag though. Maybe a reviewer with more knowledge of ‘modern’ may get ‘it’ better than me.

There’s no doubt Dead Man’s Whiskey can play and are building a loyal live following. I wish them all the best.

Tracklist:

1. Intro
2. Masquerade
3. Ravens Call
4. Who I Am
5. Do or Die
6. Island in the Storm
7. Fighting to Survive
8. Diggin For Fame
9. What’s Your Name
10. Closer to You
11. Time
12. Fear is Cold