'This Might Hurt' is the debut release from The Treatment. It consists of 14 songs that are unashamedly influenced by 70s and 80s rock. An album with big choruses, distorted guitars and a driving rhythm section that keeps your foot tapping from the opening riff to the final chord.
The band are a five piece outfit from Cambridge, UK. Consisting of drummer Dhani Mansworth, guitarists Ben Brookland and Tagore Grey, bassist Rick Newman and singer Matt Jones. The band was formed by Dhani formed the band at the young age of 15. A short three years later and the boys have toured with Black Stone Cherry, Alice Cooper, written and released their first album. Not bad for a band who have just hit 18.
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The album is an enthusiastic rocker mixing influences from across the years. Songs like 'Departed' and 'The Doctor' come straight from AC/DC via Airbourne. 'D***K, F**K, F***T' and 'Stone Cold Love' have some excellent dual guitar work similar to Thin Lizzy. 'While Winter Sun' has a more Southern Blues Rock feel ala Black Crowes meets Lynard Skynrd.
It's not all high octane rock though and the band knows how to slow things down a little. 'Nothing To Lose But Our Minds' may sound very much like 'All The Young Dudes' meets a Kiss anthem but it's the sort of song that you find yourself humming hours later. There is also an acoustic version of 'Just Tell Me Why' which highlights that they are versatile enough to switch off the amps and still play very well.
All these influences make for a slightly disjointed feel to the album as the band have yet to define their own sound. But it is well performed throughout with some great guitar work and a really solid rhythm section. I suspect Matt Jones is a pretty amazing singer as well but this is where the album fails badly. The mix leaves Matt's vocals buried in the mix too much which spoils the sound and doesn't show what Matt can really do.
A great debut from a young band who are set to become part of the classic rock revival alongside bands like The Answer, Voodoo Six and Rival Sons. I'm looking forward to seeing them live and cannot wait for the next album.
6.2.12