Review: Marty & The Bad Punch – S/T
Enghardt Music/Bad Punch Records (March 14th, 2025)
Reviewer: Chris O’Connor
Marty & The Bad Punch is an award-winning international studio and recording project helmed by German guitarist and songwriter Marty Punch. With two well-received albums already under their belt – ‘Moon Over Baskerville‘ (2014) and ‘Walk A Straight Line’ (2020)—the band returns with their strongest effort yet: a self-titled third album that refines their signature Melodic Hard Rock sound into something even more powerful and expansive.
At its core, the band is a truly international affair, featuring Dan Byrne on vocals, the legendary Tommy Denander on guitars and keyboards (who also co-wrote most of the material, mixed, co-produced, and mastered the album), Tony Franklin of Blue Murder/The Firm fame on bass, and Josh Devine (Levara/One Direction) on drums. Additional contributions come from The Stockholm Strings, lending symphonic elegance, and special guest Robert Tepper on vocals.
While the band is German-led, their sound is anything but stereotypically European; instead, it carries a distinctly transatlantic flavour, blending Scandinavian and North American influences to create a polished, dynamic, and deeply melodic hard rock experience. The multi-national lineup proves to be beautifully cohesive, and their finished product really is a testament to their joint quality and musical excellence.
The album kicks off with the adrenaline-charged rocker ‘The Time Is Now’, setting the stage for what’s to come. A no-nonsense, fist-pumping anthem. ‘Keep Pushin’ On’ is another fast-paced number that continues the album’s high-energy momentum, complete with soaring vocals and driving riffs. ‘Dream In The Dark’ carries a strong Deep Purple influence, particularly reminiscent of the ‘Perfect Strangers’ era, with brooding melodies and powerful instrumentation.
‘Have Faith’ is a grand, sweeping ballad made even more special by its use of ABBA’s Benny Andersson’s famous grand piano. It’s a deeply emotive moment on the album, showcasing the band’s softer side. ‘Heart Attack’ follows. a glorious Melodic Rock gem, boasting an exceptional vocal performance and a sound that recalls the best of Journey mixed with the emotional depth of Barclay James Harvest. I know that sounds like an unlikely pairing, but I promise that it’s both accurate and that it really works.
‘Deadwood’ is A mid-tempo, moody rocker with a haunting atmosphere and a chorus that lingers long after the track ends. In contrast, ‘In Deep Water‘ embraces a Bad Company (Brian Howe era) groove, offering an irresistible hip-shaking rhythm that makes it a standout. Next up is ‘Don’t Bother Me’ which is a heavier, no-frills hard rock tune. While it delivers punch, it feels like a slight weak link compared to the surrounding material.
‘The Little Things’ is a deceptive track—its intro hints at a ballad before shifting gears into another Deep Purple/Rainbow-infused rocker, which is a very pleasant surprise. ‘Streets of Belfast’ is the first of two bonus tracks. It’s a Celtic-tinged mid-paced rocker with beautifully intricate guitar work, adding a fresh dimension to the album’s sound. The final track ‘Better Be Strong’ is a curious addition. While Robert Tepper’s vocal presence is notable, this track might have been better served by Dan Byrne’s vocals, as it slightly disrupts the album’s overall cohesion.
My final thoughts are as follows … With Marty & The Bad Punch’s third album, the band has truly hit their stride. The combination of a tighter rhythm section, more refined songwriting, and expert production results in their most accomplished work to date. While there are a couple of minor missteps, the overall experience is one of expertly crafted Melodic Hard Rock, rich in depth and character. If you’re a fan of polished, powerful rock with a transatlantic touch, ‘Marty & The Bad Punch’ should absolutely be high on your shopping list.
Tracklist:
- The Time Is Now
- Keep Pushin’ On
- Dream In The Dark
- Have Faith
- Heart Attack
- Deadwood
- In Deep Water
- Don’t Bother Me
- The Little Things
- Streets Of Belfast (bonus track)
- Better Be Strong (bonus track, feat: Robert Tepper vocals)
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