Review: All I Know – Stiletto Nightmare EP
Juvenille Records (August 1st, 2024)
Reviewer: Jason Hopper
Here’s a great band I never thought I would hear from again. Back in 2010, All I Know released their one and only album, ‘Vanity Kills’. With its power pop rock sensibilities and catchy melodies, the band sounded young, ambitious, and looked destined to make a name for themselves…until they didn’t. Not sure what happened to them, but I assumed it was just a one-off project or a shelved album released by a band that had broken up.
Fast forward to 2024 and to my surprise came word the band was about to release new material. I was cautiously optimistic as it was going to be an EP with three new songs and one cover. Historically, EPs are usually released to keep the momentum going for a band in between studio albums. The less common reason is when a long defunct band decides to either test the waters of viability or simply does not have enough good material for a full album. I thought the latter was the case here, especially when they decided to include a cover version of Bryan Adams’ ‘Hidin’ From Love’. Just three new songs in a fourteen-year gap must mean the band struggled in some sort of way to release something after all this time, right?
Wrong. All I Know pick up right where they left off with new release ‘Stiletto Nightmare’ and I am in shock. If someone told me these were not new songs but leftover unreleased tracks, I would believe them. The catchy melodies, distinct verse/bridge/chorus structures that complement each other perfectly, and layered background vocals all make for an amazing release that ends way too soon.
All three new tracks are strong, but I find myself back and forth over which one is the best. Opener ‘(Can’t Get You) Outta My Head’ has a moody keyboard melody that draws you in, but it’s the choral vocals in the bridge and harmonious chorus that bring this track over the top. “Catchy” would be an understatement in describing this song. However, ‘Playin’ with Fire’ has something that the others don’t have. The female background vocalist in the band gets pushed to the front and practically plays a co-lead on the track. She gels well singing with lead singer Ward D. he call and response/refrain between the two in the verses just hits the sweet spot for me.
There’s something special about the energy of these tracks and I could not put my finger on it and then realized the secret ingredient seemed to be the keyboards. In fact, that’s what makes all three songs stand out. Their previous release had some keyboards in the background but here they have been pushed forward and thicken up the melody line and give definition to the key changes in the song structure.
According to a YouTube comment from the band, they are working on a full album to be released next year, and it will surely be one of my top albums to look forward to. Fans have been waiting far too long to get any type of follow up and this was both a pleasant surprise and a blast. Three songs will have to do for now and judging by the strength of these, the band still has the fire, and this taste will hopefully get people hyped and talking in preparation for what’s next. These songs are out now, so go check them out if you dig that 80s classic style of pop hard rock.
Tracklist:
- (Can’t Get You) Outta My Head
- As Long as the Night Goes On
- Playin’ With Fire
- Hidin’ From Love (Bryan Adams cover)
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