Raider – Tokyo

Raider
Tokyo
July 18, 2020
18:25

There are quite a few bands under the name “Raider”. This one comes from South Wales. The band was founded in 2013 by bassist Jon Hood. Hard rock bands of the 80s and 90s are mentioned as influences. Among others, Danger Danger, Aerosmith or Steve Vai. Sounds exciting. The press release is silent about previous album releases. So “Tokyo” seems to be the debut EP. A full-length studio album is planned for next year.

The EP starts with the title song “Tokyo”. Synthesizer in the style of the 80s. First, subtle guitar inserts. But soon the whole band sets in, with powerful chords. Classic catchy AOR. This is also underlined by the background vocals. Singer Mike Pratt would have honored any hard rock band. And then the Welshmen also cut out an ingenious guitar solo. “Boys Will Be Boys” is in no way inferior to the opener. In terms of heavyness, the band goes a step further. Pounding drums and hard, fast riffs should make every rocker’s heart beat faster. And you don’t have to do without another excellent guitar solo here. With “Going Down”, raiders take their foot off the pedal a little. Hammond-like, the keyboards wave out of the boxes. “Begging For More” is the grand conclusion to this four-track EP. After a quiet start, the British really rock out. With these riffs, the foot bounces. You can have your mane circled to the choruses, if you have.

After eighteen and a half minutes it is unfortunately over. Unfortunately. But there is the replay button. You want to listen to these four songs over and over again. The sound is so stirring. If Raider lets this high quality flow into the upcoming album, you can look forward to a true masterpiece.

Raider – Boys Will Be Boys (Lyric Video): https://youtu.be/P1CdHZnYx2A

Lineup:

Mike Platt – Vocals
Jon Hood – Bass
Marc Campbell – Rhythm Guitar
Alun Tomos – Lead Guitar
Aled Evans – Keyboards
Luke Naimi – Drums (Tracks 2 and 3)
Steve Eyers – Drums (Tracks 1 and 2)

Track list:

• Tokyo
• Boys Will Be Boys
• Going Down
• Begging For More