Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown // Dirty Work // EP Review

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As a passionate music lover and long-time admirer of  Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, I was excited to listen to their latest recording, “Dirty Work.” The five-track EP consists of some of the band’s most electrifying work, and it did not disappoint.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Tyler & Caleb way back when they brought their big ass tour bus to Ireland supporting Aerosmith at The 3 Arena in Dublin, now sadly I didn’t catch them at that gig, but instead at Voodoo Belfast where Tyler & the boys blew the roof off that joint in an intimate show and right there, right then I was a fan for life. Two guys more down to earth you’ll never meet, but when they hit the stage they tear it up like the best in the business, the whole bands dynamic is made for the live event, and an event it is, if you ever get the opportunity to catch these cats live, you have just go to do it, you can thank me later! But today is about their new recording and sweet baby Jesus, it’s a good one!

The EP opens with “Strike” and then “Burnin,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the record. With an intro (Strike) reminiscent of an 80’s movie montage, like a scene from Lethal Weapon, it captures the imagination before the song kicks in and boom,  it’s clear that Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown mean business. The track has a bluesy feel to it, reminiscent of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath. Tyler’s signature vocals and gritty guitar tone just cuts through the mix and feels like home.

“Dirty Work” is the title track of the EP and arguably a signature TBSD song. The track’s dark sultry sound makes it impossible not to tap your foot and nod your head along. The band’s signature sound is on full display, with Tyler Bryant’s raw and emotional vocals perfectly complementing the music. As always a TBSD recording is an emotive rollercoaster ride that you just won’t want to get off.

“Sho Been Worse”,  The EP’s lead single, showcases the band’s ability to write meaningful and heartfelt lyrics whilst still creating a foot-stomping, ass-shaking track that makes you want to get up and shake yo’ booty! The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Tyler Bryant’s guitar solo stealing the show.

“Thunder” is a true TSBD number, with a pulsating rhythm and fierce guitar riffs. The song has a real sense of urgency to it, with Tyler Bryant’s vocals delivering each line with a sense of purpose. The guitar work on this track is particularly impressive, with Tyler and Brad showing off their virtuosic skills. TBSD at its very best, it is a track that will translate beautifully to the live stage.

The EP closes with “Fire & Brimstone,” a track that showcases the band’s range. The song has a more laid-back feel to it, with Tyler Bryant’s vocals taking centre stage. The track builds slowly, with the band gradually adding layers of instrumentation until it reaches a powerful climax, and that is exactly what TBSD are all about, creating these beautiful, multi-layered sonic tapestries that capture the imagination and carry you along for the journey, whether it is a five-track EP or a full recording, you’ll need to sit down and catch your breath afterwards.

Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown’s “Dirty Work” EP showcases the band’s skills. The five tracks on the EP display a range of styles and moods, but they all have one thing in common: a raw, powerful energy that is impossible to ignore. As a passionate music lover, I can’t wait to see what this band does next. This one is a beauty.

 

Dirty Work is released today, Friday, March 24th courtesy of Rattle Shake Records

 

Pre-Order here https://orcd.co/dirtywork

 

 

Track Listing
Strike Burnin
Dirty Work
Sho Been Worse
Thunder
Fire & Brimstone

 

 TBSD Line-up:
Tyler Bryant – guitar/vocals
Caleb Crosby – drums
Graham Whitford – guitar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TylerBryantAndTheShakedown
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbshakedown/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tbshakedown
Website: http://www.tylerbryantandtheshakedown.com/

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