Sideburn – Fired Up

Sideburn
Fired Up
Label: Massacre Records
Out: June 10th, 2022
Playing time: 41:02

Five years ago, the last album of the Swiss Sideburn was released, under the significant name “#8”. So “Fired Up” is now the ninth album by the band, which has been around since the end of the nineties. But only if you count the 2006 best of album “Archives”. According to the press info, there are two new members since the predecessor. And the musicians are going back to their roots.

Music without concessions and without frills.

So, let’s have a listen.

The Swiss mean it seriously. The opener “Feel The Heat” starts uncompromisingly heavy. Reminds me somehow of their compatriots Krokus. Primal Rock’n’Roll. Musically, too, they are on a par. This continues with “Free Ride”, “Sweet Obsession (Ride On)” or “Heading Down The Road 69”. Roland Pierrehumbert’s voice sounds slightly scratchy. And the guitarists fire off one riff after the other. Not to mention the guitar solos thrown in again and again. In contrast, “Bad Side Of Town” is a real Blues song. At the beginning of “Standing In The Headlines” I have to think of The Who (“Won’t Fooled Again”). Apart from these riffs, however, the song is its own. On “Restless Call” Sideburn go at a high speed. And again and again one is reminded of the great ones, like Rose Tattoo, AC/DC or also Krokus already mentioned. Just listen to “Die A Million Times” or “Paid My Dues”. And the last song “Tired Of The Road” is rounded off by a great guitar solo.

Although the band has been around since the late nineties, their work has so far passed me by. But thanks to the release on Massacre, the sound has finally found its way into my ears. Late but hopefully not too late. One can only agree with the press release, this is finest Hard Rock without frills.

Sideburn Feel The Heat (Lyric Video): https://youtu.be/WIdlEt_IfMA

Lineup:

Roland Pierrehumbert – Vocals, Harmonica
Mikael Riffart – Guitars
Sickyy Lyo – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Thierry Nydegger – Bass, Backing Vocals
Lionel Blanc – Drums, Backing Vocals

Track list:

• Feel The Heat
• Free Ride
• Sweet Obsession (Ride On)
• Bad Side Of Town
• Standing In The Headlines
• Heading Down The Road 69
• Devil In Me
• Restless Call
• Mystical Lady
• Die A Million Times
• Paid My Dues
• Tired Of The Road