Skid Row are back with The Gang’s All Here, their first full-length studio album since 2006, and they’re stronger than ever. Introducing lead vocalist Erik Grönwall (ex- H.E.A.T), who has lit a fire under the band, the classic Skid Row sound has evolved into something new and exciting while staying true to their roots.
Skid Row – The Gang’s All Here (EarMUSIC)
Release Date: 14 October 2022
Review: Taylor Cameron
The Gang’s All Here consists of ten killer tracks that are worth all the praise, the band delivering a top-notch performance on each one. A new energy has taken over the band since Grönwall stepped in, bringing special chemistry to Skid Row that hasn’t been present for a long time.
Skid Row goes straight in with a heavy rocker, and the album kicks off with the track Hell Or High Water. A strong guitar riff and a prominent drumbeat, Skid Row’s classic sound is painted all over it. Grönwall’s unique vocals shine brightly, catching your attention within seconds, something he does effortlessly. Hell or High Water sets up the album perfectly, preparing you for a collection that will have you listening with your horns raised high in the air the entire time.
Although the ’80s heavy rock sound is preeminent throughout the ten tracks, Time Bomb, Resurrected, Nowhere Fast, to name a few, showcase a new side of the band, one that old and new fans alike can appreciate.
The video for Time Bomb, was co-directed by Rachel Bolan and acclaimed director Dale ‘Rage’ Resteghini (Five Finger Death Punch, Guns N Roses). Rachel Bolan sought out Rage to bring his artistic vision and story to the screen for a song about humanity’s continuing struggle with self-indulgence and monotony.
“Co-directing the video with Dale was a great learning experience,” Bolan says. “His energy is infectious, and his knowledge is vast. It was something I had never done before and probably wouldn’t have if it weren’t for Scotti Hill saying, ‘You should direct our next video.’ It was a lot like writing a song, but the characters are real. It was all about making my vision come to life.”
A standout track on the record is October’s Song. A ballad with dream like vocals, October’s Song gives off a similar tone to the track Quicksand Jesus, from Skid Row’s sophomore album Slave to The Grind. With melodic guitars and a bass groove you feel in your soul, they have created another unique ballad worth adding to your ’80s-style ballad playlist.
This lineup of talented musicians is Skid Row in its strongest form, and it is more than just a band. It’s a family of brothers bonded by rock ‘n’ roll.
From Rachel Bolan’s heavy basslines, Scotti Hill and Dave ‘Snake’ Sabo’s duelling guitars, and Rob Hammersmith’s drums keeping a heavy beat to Grönwall’s powerful vocals, each member shines through tremendously on this record.
The band’s musicianship is at the top of its game, delivering an album full of substance and pure rock ‘n’ roll magic.
Skid Row hit the UK for The Gang’s All Here 2022 tour. Support for the main dates are Enuff Z’Nuff and The Treatment. Skid Row also plays HRH Great Yarmouth on 4 November before a date at Epic Studios in Norwich.
