Having had the opportunity to see Dirty Honey on two occasions and chat with vocalist Marc LaBelle I can only state that Dirty Honey are the real deal. LaBelle has an authentic swagger that captures the audience’s attention. Guitarist John Notto, bassist Justin Smolian, and drummer Jaydon Bean add to the dynamic with their respective playing and mesmerising stage presence. Together they are captivating and capture the essence of Rock N Roll.
Since forming in Los Angeles in 2017 they have toured with some big hitters in Kiss, Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes and the Rival Sons. Those support slots have helped them establish their stage show as they have learned from their masters. Their sound draws heavily on that of Aerosmith with more than a dash of AC/DC.
Having released two studio albums, the self-titled debut in 2021 and Can’t Find The Brakes in 2023 Dirty Honey’s subsequent electrifying rise from support act to headliners has been rapid and this live record shows exactly why. It has an intensity that you cannot escape from. It may not be original but what is? Dirty Honey has the attitude that translates from the stage and impacts on all those lucky enough to be in attendance. I cannot emphasise enough how everyone present is made to feel that they are at the greatest Rock N Roll party in town.
Mayhem And Revelry is aptly titled and proves all my points precisely. The opening number ‘Won’t Take Me Alive’ sees LaBelle address the crowd by stating, “I wanna see everyone in this fuckin’ house jumpin’”! From that point,t we do exactly that! “Heartbreaker” is for all the girls and boys to they SCREAM!
Soon Labelle is “Tied Up” I can visualise him spinning and turning as he wears his hat. I can also see Justin Smolian flicking his plectrums into the frenzied audience with great accuracy, just like the one he flicked at me hitting my chest while I had a beer in one hand and a camera in the other. John Notto has the moves,and the grooves as his six-string stings with scintillating sonic chords. I must mention drummer Bean who provides all the Boom! Boom! In the room!
As live albums go this is up there with the very best, it holds within the excitement and spontaneity that you get at the gig. What more can I say other than you have to get down and dirty if you really want a taste of honey!
Review: Paul Mace
“MAYHEM AND REVELRY LIVE” credits:
Produced by DIRTY HONEY
Recorded by Mike Dalle
Mixed by Chris “The Raven” Albers
Mastered by Mark Chalecki
Art design by Michelle Holme
Management – Mark DiDia // Red Light Management
℗ & © 2025 Dirt Records
DIRTY HONEY IS:
MARC LABELLE – VOCALS
JOHN NOTTO – GUITARS
JUSTIN SMOLIAN – BASS
JAYDON BEAN – DRUMS
