Review: Colossal Street Jam 'No Way To Live'

Colossal Street Jam, photo, No Way To Live

Colossal Street Jam, No Way To Live

By Mike O’Cull

Neo-classic rockers Colossal Street Jam cook up an irresistible mix of big guitars, hit single instincts, and energized performances on the band’s new album No Way to Live.

Released independently on February 10th, 2023, No Way to Live is both smart and muscular, taking influence from the wide-open 1970s, when groups like Bad Company and Grand Funk Railroad ruled a whole lot of record collections. Colossal Street Jam taps into the essence of that period and writes strong-willed rock songs that go hard in the paint and display a level of musicality most bands never reach. The Red Bank, New Jersey-based five-piece isn’t afraid to rock you in one song, take you into the sky on the next, and get you up and dancing with the third. They touch on all of the best vintage flavors but find a way to make each of them completely their own.

Colossal Street Jam has been dropping music since 2016 and has built a loyal following on the East Coast and in Australia and Europe. They’ve done successful tours to The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany and shared stages with major artists including Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Robbie Krieger of The Doors, The Black Crowes, King’s X, Stone Temple Pilots, Rival Sons, Blackberry Smoke, The Drive-By Truckers, and many more. Regrettably, the Covid pandemic kept CSJ off the road for a good while but they’re ready to get back at it and will play in the U.S. and Europe in 2023.

CSJ recorded No Way to Live with producer and engineer Tony Lewis of HiVoltage Music at the helm. Band members Gene Potts (vocals), Sal Marra (guitar, vocals), Tony Flora (bass), Dave Halpern (drums, percussion), and Eric Safka (Hammond B3, piano, Fender Rhodes) are an immensely-talented crew with chops to burn and the ability to get inside their songs artistically without turning everything to cheese. They float effortlessly across genre lines and guest appearances by heavyweights Anthony Krizan (Spin Doctors, Lenny Kravitz, John Waite), violinist Lorenza Ponce (Sheryl Crow, Dixie Chicks, Hall & Oates), Mad Men Horns of Grevenbicht, Netherlands, and soul singer Desiree Spinks of the Asbury Park-based band Des & The Swagmatics just add to the fun.

“No Way To Live”

CSJ goes for the gusto right away, opening this new set with the blues/rock blaster and title cut “No Way To Live.” It’s a pumping track that features top-flight playing from everyone involved, especially keyboardist Eric Safka and guitarist Sal Marra. The lyrics deal with the kind of frustration and heartbreak that were everywhere during peak Covid and the band’s collective energy gives those feeling a much-needed release. Gene Potts is especially strong on lead vocals and his quick vocal breakdown near the song’s end is an unexpected treat.

“Seconds” rocks even harder but its inventive vocal melodies and hooks keep it accessible. CSJ stretches out some in the middle, throwing a little Prog into the mix to keep things trippy before stomping the gas again. In contrast, “Morning Light” slips into an even more cerebral Floydian mode that’s perfect for a quick inner adventure.

The pop-ish “Before I Sleep Again” is another big gear shift, taking the group into a keyboard-forward sound reminiscent of old Elton John and Supertramp. Colossal Street Jam truly shines on this kind of ensemble song, keeping their energy up and beautifully supporting the hooks.

No Way to Live goes down well in a single listening session, as an album should. As such, you’ll have no problem sticking around for the deep-cut party anthem “Nothing Like It.” It’s an old-school hard rock boogie that’s destined to power many Saturday nights. Other highlights include “My Fight, Alone” and the secret bonus track “Songbird (Reprise)” at the end. Colossal Street Jam are mighty, indeed, and fans looking for tunes that are catchy and fresh need to get them into their speakers at once.