Kris Rodgers “Losing The Frequency”
Kris ‘Fingers’ Rodgers has been a recording & touring sideman for many years. In 2014 he was leading the rock n’ roll trio The Dirty Gems and had a reputation as “rock n’ roll’s secret weapon.”
Well, the secret is out and Rodgers is a pro with stadium-ready pop-rock songs that deserve to be heard. “I Know” is a perfect example of where it all comes together with a banging keyboard and gospel rock atmosphere that reaches for the sky, similar to young Elton John. And his buddies help out; Kurt Baker on bass, Wyatt Funderburk and Zach Jones both lend guitars as an assist here. “Gone On Too Long” is another gem that displays Rogers amazing keyboard work and hooks that would make Billy Joel jealous.
Rodgers soulful vocals are also top notch on “Overrated” and “Rock N’ Roll Radio” is a clarion call for what is now considered an “oldies” format. And although the songs are densely produced they never feel overwrought. It ends with the 8-minute grandiose rock opera “Who’s Gonna Save You Now,” and it’s compelling all the way through! Highly Recommended.
Dany Laj and The Looks “Alive & Kicking”
Montreal, Québec native Dany Laj has adopted a more pub-rock model with a touch of punk attitude for Alive & Kicking. “Mister Screaming Attitude” is a straight forward rocker, similar to Kurt Baker mixed with a little Paul Westerberg mixed in. The energy Laj has is infectious on “Sweet Pretender” and the angular riff on “Planet of Fun” shows you why he toured with Paul Collins last year and fit right in.
“Defending Champion,” tells the narrative of a guy “who took half his life to figure it out,” and the wry pop of “Mixing A Drink” continues the story. The tempo and flavor of the music are fairly consistent, and the songs without hooks get by on Dany’s grit and musical skill. Definitely worth checking out if you wanna turn it up and bop your head to the rhythm.
