Rockers, rejoice! After a year of streaming singles and an EP, new Dirty Honey is finally here! Released just today, Dirty Honey’s self-titled debut album will get you revved up for the future of Rock ‘N’ Roll. We’re back in the spotlight, baby!
Serving up a full bodied experience with catchy melodies, statement riffs, strong storytelling, and a twist on 70’s blues-rock, this album is packed with all killer and no filler. Every track feels genuine to the band’s signature sound and showcases the incredible talents of the members equally. Simply put, Dirty Honey is a damn good jam sesh that will no doubt transform to pure revelry on the live stage.
If you’re new to the hive, welcome! It’s hot, sticky, and will keep you buzzing for more! Each with their own intricate background in music, Dirty Honey is composed of Marc Labelle on vocals, John Notto on guitar, Justin Smolian on bass, and Corey Coverstone on drums. The Los Angeles quartet has already made rock history, landing a #1 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and surpassed 10-million Spotify plays with “When I’m Gone” from their first EP. Oh, and did we mention the band isn’t signed to a label? Pretty f’in impressive!
So without further ado, let’s dive in…
CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
It’s no secret, this isn’t your Mamas and Papas type of California Dreamin’...
A darker yet very upbeat musical tale of the true California dream, this track is perfect for soaking up the Summer sun. With powerful chord progressions and a belt-worthy chorus, ‘‘California Dreamin’’ is the perfect opener to give you a taste of what Dirty Honey is all about.
It may be the first song to kick off the album, but it was the last actually the last to be written! “We finished it about two weeks before we recorded it, so the song was still so new, and we were trying out different things, so every take was a little different. But there was that one where we just captured it, and it was magic," shared bassist Justin Smolian.
THE WIRE
The guitar hits and you’re immediately transported back to live shows where some crowds were lucky enough to hear a sneak peek of this three minute and five second ball of fire before the pandemic hit. ‘The Wire’ picks up the energy ‘California Dreamin’ left off and cranks it up a notch. You can’t help but sing along with Marc as he showcases his vocal range or get that “guitar stank face” when John (Notto) takes the reins for a solo. To me, ‘The Wire’ really encapsulates the Dirty Honey sound.
TIED UP
Get ready to be wound up! Mere seconds in, ‘Tied Up’ makes you want to move to the tap of the cymbals and groove along with the melody. With a heavy 70’s rock sound, Dirty Honey still makes it completely their own.
As Marc’s soulful wails melt into Notto’s guitar solo, it feels like you’re being brought BACK TO LIFE. The power that the band builds into that moment truly sends a shock through your body. As the song winds down, the isolated vocals bring about an overwhelming feeling to clap along. Who cares if you’re rocking out alone at home, we’re in this musical moment together.
TAKE MY HAND
With rolling drums and tasty riffs, the rock ‘n’ roll ride continues with ‘Take My Hand’. This melodic hard rock track tells a relatable story full of frustration, persuasion, and understanding. Though true for the entire album, this song in particular makes it exceptionally hard to spotlight just one individual member. The band's energy really builds into each other.
GYPSY
Meet the perfect road trip companion. With the pedal to metal and the spirit of living free, ‘Gypsy’ is fast-tempoed with the sexy stylings of the 70’s.
Coverstone on drums and Smolian on bass play off each other, building the feeling of being on the move. Before the joy-ride comes to an end, Notto pulls into high gear with a fiery solo just long enough to get your adrenaline pumping. Hands down, ‘Gypsy’ is one of those songs you’ll crank up while driving with the windows down and the wind in your hair!
NO WARNING
‘No Warning’ is your new live in the moment anthem. With lyrics like, “now I'm living for the night, cause nothing's guaranteed,” you can’t help but belt along with Marc and pump yourself up .
Something I enjoy about Notto’s playing style, particularly in this track, is that his licks feel very in-the-moment, like it’s an impromptu jam. Being rehearsed but not TOO polished is something the band touts as one of their best qualities, and I think they’ve got it right. It feels very real and raw.
THE MORNING
Sexy and steamy, ‘The Morning’ takes things into the bedroom. With a catchy melody and chorus, Marc and the band work together to create a build into sweet heat of passion and guitar grit. The bright and upbeat instrumentals paired with confident vocals make this one an instant mood booster and the perfect excuse to dance around…maybe while making breakfast the next morning.
ANOTHER LAST TIME
Although I wasn’t quite ready for the album to come to an end, ‘Another Last Time’ is the perfect closing drenched in blues-y emotion. The song feels like that warm and fuzzy goodbye at the end of the night when you know you’ve got to head home but you’re hoping somehow, someway, it’ll be different just this once and the night will carry on.
Kicking it off with a strictly guitar intro feels like sweet, sweet, blues and Rock ‘N Roll. Marc takes a smoother approach this time around, taking it down a few octaves. With the addition of the piano and choir backing him, it feels like heaven has opened its gates. Chills shoot up through your body and you can almost picture a crowd swaying their arms back and forth.
‘Another Last Time’ is one you’ll feel DEEP within your soul. It’s the ultimate goodbye - you’re left with a smile on your face but left yearning for more.