Review: Dirty Honey ‘Can’t Find The Breaks’
By Marc Dorian
Los Angeles-based rock band Dirty Honey is about to drop their sophomore album, ‘Can’t Find The Brakes,’ on November 3. The album’s title aptly reflects the band’s fast rise to fame since bursting onto the scene in 2019.
In a remarkable feat for an independent and unsigned band, their debut single skyrocketed to the coveted #1 spot on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock and Hard Rock charts. Fast forward two years, and their self-titled, full-length release entered the Hard Rock album charts, securing a #2 position. This success opened doors to coveted support slots on tours alongside acts like The Black Crowes, KISS, and Guns N’ Roses. Not stopping there, Dirty Honey has sold out headline shows across the UK and Europe. They’ll promote their latest release with an ambitious North American headline tour through the rest of 2023.
Dirty Honey is Marc LaBelle (vocals), John Notto (electric, acoustic guitar), Justin Smolian (bass, acoustic guitar), and the newest addition, Jaydon Bean (drums). This quartet embodies the spirit of raw, unadulterated rock ‘n’ roll. For those newly acquainted with their sound, comparisons to the classic vinyl era of legendary bands like Aerosmith or Led Zeppelin come to mind. LaBelle, with his powerful rock vocals reminiscent of Robert Plant, adds a contemporary edge to his voice. Big, bluesy guitar riffs are an integral part of their sonic equation, but Dirty Honey infuses it with a modern swagger and a distinctive sound that stands on its own.
Recorded earlier this spring in Australia, the band teamed up again with producer Nick DiDia to create their latest offering. The album boasts some strong songwriting. The energy is immediate with the electrifying opener, “Don’t Put Out The Fire.” LaBelle’s vocals plead with a love interest to reconsider their departure, set against a backdrop of crisp rhythm guitar riffs, a driving 8th note bassline, and tight harmonies throughout.
The single “Won’t Take Me Alive” has been heating up U.S. rock radio, and it’s no surprise. Notto’s aggressive guitar riff channels Joe Perry and propels the verse into a catchy melodic chorus. His guitar solo is a highlight before heading into a breakdown section that calls for raised hands in the air. The guys are rocking together as a unit here, as evidenced by the seamless ending.
The killer riffs continue over the swampy groove of “Dirty Mind.” Smolian’s bass line movement shines on this one, particularly on the pre-chorus. Speaking of choruses, the melodic hook here might just be the catchiest on the album, as LaBelle ties it all together by declaring, I keep my hands clean, but you know I’ve got a dirty mind.
On the more acoustic-based ballads ”Coming Home” and “You Make It Alright,” Dirty Honey demonstrates their dynamic range. On the latter, LaBelle uses his falsetto to convey emotion, elevating the chorus to another level. The relatable lyrics speak to the comfort of having someone by your side during tough times. The song is enhanced by a Wurlitzer piano and a warm bed of Hammond B3 played by Ian Peres.
The title track, “Can’t Find The Brakes,” highlights another blazing guitar riff. Lyrically, the band uses a girl in the song as a metaphor for the no-holds-barred, high-speed journey of life—a reflection of their rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Singer Marc LaBelle notes, “We’re constantly on the move, living each day city by city. Sometimes, being a touring musician can feel like you’re on a train going full speed.”
An album deep cut worth mentioning is “Rebel Son,” the album’s closing track. Clocking in at 6:50, it features an epic outro underscored by a piano figure and percussive flashes reminiscent of classic Rolling Stones tunes. This full-on jam begs to be heard live and serves as the perfect epilogue to an album filled with infectious guitar riffs and high-powered vocals.
‘Can’t Find The Brakes’ is pure, organic rock with a bluesy edge that’s nearly unbeatable. Dive into this album now and let Dirty Honey’s sound take you on a wild ride!
Pre-order Can’t Find The Brakes HERE
“Won’t Take Me Alive”
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