Reverse Grip

After last weeks blog post on the art of self-promotion, I received an email from a band from Toronto called Reverse Grip, who asked me for advice on how to promote themselves overseas.

They gave me some info about their band, and I was impressed to see that they had recently toured Australia, Japan and have a European tour coming up later in the year. The solution to their question was simple; they need a record label.

A record deal is the holy grail for any up-and-coming band. The truth is, the industry has changed so much in the last five years; very few bands are actually ready or suitable for a record deal. I have come up with three questions bands need to answer to see if they're ready to start approaching record labels.

1. Do you have a professionally recorded album that sounds as good, production-wise, as albums by signed bands?

Reverse Grip has a good-sounding album that earns then a yes.

2. Do you have professional logos and artwork that tie your merch, websites, album covers and everything else together into an effective brand? Do your band members have an effective look that fits into the brand? (I know, that's two questions.)

Reverse Grip have all their website and social media looking good. Their album cover fits the sound of their music.

3. This is the one that will trip up most bands: Are you touring regularly? This is the most important thing record labels look for when analyzing bands. Touring is what will make them money, and they need you to have your touring already setup.

Reverse Grip have already toured the world! They pass this test with flying colors.

If you've answered yes to these questions, you should start researching labels that fit your style of music. Don't waste your time contacting every label. Identify a select few you think are a perfect fit and send them all your info and touring history. Tell them why you'd fit into their roster of current artists and how you can work together to build your brand. Get to know the people that work at the labels and build relationships.

One reason you want a label, other than financial support, is they will help you get better tours with higher-profile artists. They will coordinate all your promotion in different territories and offer their years of experience on how to maximize exposure and time everything perfectly to build a buzz for your release. If they are a successful label, they should have a proven method and strategy.

A final point to remember is that record labels aren't lying when they say they receive tons of demos every day. You may not receive a response initially, but don't give up. Keep emailing each label every four to six months with updates of your touring schedules and any significant press or other accomplishments worth mentioning.

To end, I would just like to say I came to these conclusions about record labels rough my own experience working with various bands in Los Angeles. There may be exceptions, but I've found this to be the case for the majority of my peers. I signed my first record deal with a Polish record label called Metalmind Productions, and they have helped me tremulously with press and promotion.

My blog post next week will shift its focus to music and guitar playing. I will give you a lesson in the art of improvisation.

Will Wallner is a guitarist from England now living in Los Angeles. He is the lead guitarist for White Wizzard (Earache Records) and in 2012 toured Japan, America and Canada. He recently signed a solo deal with Polish record label Metal Mind Productions for the release of his debut album, which features some of the most influential musicians from hard rock/heavy metal. Follow Will on Facebook and Twitter.

- See more at: http://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-how-know-if-your-band-ready-record-deal#sthash.uQPFFbKj.dpuf - Guitar World Online

After last weeks blog post on the art of self-promotion, I received an email from a band from Toronto called Reverse Grip, who asked me for advice on how to promote themselves overseas.

They gave me some info about their band, and I was impressed to see that they had recently toured Australia, Japan and have a European tour coming up later in the year. The solution to their question was simple; they need a record label.

A record deal is the holy grail for any up-and-coming band. The truth is, the industry has changed so much in the last five years; very few bands are actually ready or suitable for a record deal. I have come up with three questions bands need to answer to see if they're ready to start approaching record labels.

1. Do you have a professionally recorded album that sounds as good, production-wise, as albums by signed bands?

Reverse Grip has a good-sounding album that earns then a yes.

2. Do you have professional logos and artwork that tie your merch, websites, album covers and everything else together into an effective brand? Do your band members have an effective look that fits into the brand? (I know, that's two questions.)

Reverse Grip have all their website and social media looking good. Their album cover fits the sound of their music.

3. This is the one that will trip up most bands: Are you touring regularly? This is the most important thing record labels look for when analyzing bands. Touring is what will make them money, and they need you to have your touring already setup.

Reverse Grip have already toured the world! They pass this test with flying colors.

If you've answered yes to these questions, you should start researching labels that fit your style of music. Don't waste your time contacting every label. Identify a select few you think are a perfect fit and send them all your info and touring history. Tell them why you'd fit into their roster of current artists and how you can work together to build your brand. Get to know the people that work at the labels and build relationships.

One reason you want a label, other than financial support, is they will help you get better tours with higher-profile artists. They will coordinate all your promotion in different territories and offer their years of experience on how to maximize exposure and time everything perfectly to build a buzz for your release. If they are a successful label, they should have a proven method and strategy.

A final point to remember is that record labels aren't lying when they say they receive tons of demos every day. You may not receive a response initially, but don't give up. Keep emailing each label every four to six months with updates of your touring schedules and any significant press or other accomplishments worth mentioning.

To end, I would just like to say I came to these conclusions about record labels rough my own experience working with various bands in Los Angeles. There may be exceptions, but I've found this to be the case for the majority of my peers. I signed my first record deal with a Polish record label called Metalmind Productions, and they have helped me tremulously with press and promotion.

My blog post next week will shift its focus to music and guitar playing. I will give you a lesson in the art of improvisation.

Will Wallner is a guitarist from England now living in Los Angeles. He is the lead guitarist for White Wizzard (Earache Records) and in 2012 toured Japan, America and Canada. He recently signed a solo deal with Polish record label Metal Mind Productions for the release of his debut album, which features some of the most influential musicians from hard rock/heavy metal. Follow Will on Facebook and Twitter.

- See more at: http://www.guitarworld.com/bent-out-shape-how-know-if-your-band-ready-record-deal#sthash.uQPFFbKj.dpuf - Guitar World Online

This week a look at a new video from Canadian rockers, Reverse Grip. They have released a new video for “Nasty Reputation”, a track from their new four-song EP. Reverse Grip is a hard rock band formed by the three Broda brothers (Sean, Dru and Dylan) with a mission to bring back true rock n' roll. WARNING: The following video contains drinking and lots of cow bell.

There is a rule that any video opening with a cowbell, bottles of liquor, and caution tape will never fail as a whole. Yes, this is a new rule and yes, I am drinking.

The band, Reverse Grip, walks right past the caution tape; belly up to the bar where they look very comfortable. They pull out colorful, Canadian dollars for a drink. So that’s what this beautiful money is used for. Colorful money is used to buy shots of Jim Beam.

There is a LOT more cowbell and then a shot of the band playing that looks like a commercial for Jim Beam. Not only are all the members drinking from bottles of JB, but there is even a Jim Beam guitar! Moving from the ad-placement back to the bar we find the band shooting billiards. They are so horrible at pool it is difficult to know what game they are even playing.

The biggest dude in the joint grabs an accountant looking guy, points to the band shooting pool and asks him who they are. Like this guy would know? ANYWAY, the big dude walks up to the table and challenges the band by throwing Canadian money down on the table. Even the band members (who are Canadian) have to closely examine the colorful money to see if this is proper currency. ANYWAY, they play their game of pool and it turns out the guys from Reverse Grip were hustling and now are able to run the table. This does not go well with the big dude who pulls out the world’s smallest knife. This knife is so small he wouldn’t even get “shank status” in jail. The members of Reverse Grip counter by pulling out Samurai swords. One more time: The members of Reverse Grip counter by pulling out Samurai swords. SO, the big dude leaves with his girl (who is way to hot for him by the way).

Cut to the band playing. If my eyesight is accurate I see Ozzy, Motley Crue, and Guns N’ Roses T-shirts worn by the band. How fun to interview this band right after the shoot as they wear these shirts…the first question would have to be “Who are your influences?” Okay, now I think there are subliminal messages in this video. I just had a craving for Jim Beam.

Back at the bar the big dude has challenged one of the Broda brothers to a shot contest. At this point it goes without saying what the liquor will be. Given the size of this guy I am setting the odds at 3 to 1 in big dude’s favor, with an over/under of 6 shots. Ladies and gentlemen it’s an upset as the big dude is taken out. Also, anyone who took the over (it took seven shots) can now collect your colorful Canadian money. To make matters worse? The old dude gets knocked over and loses his girl to the band.

To recap: Lots of Jim Beam, old school rock and roll, colorful Canadian money, and more Jim Beam lead to an entertaining video all around. Lesson learned? Always carry a Samurai sword with you and if you can drink a lot you will always get the hot girl in the end. - Metal Underground.com

This week a look at a new video from Canadian rockers, Reverse Grip. They have released a new video for “Nasty Reputation”, a track from their new four-song EP. Reverse Grip is a hard rock band formed by the three Broda brothers (Sean, Dru and Dylan) with a mission to bring back true rock n' roll. WARNING: The following video contains drinking and lots of cow bell.

There is a rule that any video opening with a cowbell, bottles of liquor, and caution tape will never fail as a whole. Yes, this is a new rule and yes, I am drinking.

The band, Reverse Grip, walks right past the caution tape; belly up to the bar where they look very comfortable. They pull out colorful, Canadian dollars for a drink. So that’s what this beautiful money is used for. Colorful money is used to buy shots of Jim Beam.

There is a LOT more cowbell and then a shot of the band playing that looks like a commercial for Jim Beam. Not only are all the members drinking from bottles of JB, but there is even a Jim Beam guitar! Moving from the ad-placement back to the bar we find the band shooting billiards. They are so horrible at pool it is difficult to know what game they are even playing.

The biggest dude in the joint grabs an accountant looking guy, points to the band shooting pool and asks him who they are. Like this guy would know? ANYWAY, the big dude walks up to the table and challenges the band by throwing Canadian money down on the table. Even the band members (who are Canadian) have to closely examine the colorful money to see if this is proper currency. ANYWAY, they play their game of pool and it turns out the guys from Reverse Grip were hustling and now are able to run the table. This does not go well with the big dude who pulls out the world’s smallest knife. This knife is so small he wouldn’t even get “shank status” in jail. The members of Reverse Grip counter by pulling out Samurai swords. One more time: The members of Reverse Grip counter by pulling out Samurai swords. SO, the big dude leaves with his girl (who is way to hot for him by the way).

Cut to the band playing. If my eyesight is accurate I see Ozzy, Motley Crue, and Guns N’ Roses T-shirts worn by the band. How fun to interview this band right after the shoot as they wear these shirts…the first question would have to be “Who are your influences?” Okay, now I think there are subliminal messages in this video. I just had a craving for Jim Beam.

Back at the bar the big dude has challenged one of the Broda brothers to a shot contest. At this point it goes without saying what the liquor will be. Given the size of this guy I am setting the odds at 3 to 1 in big dude’s favor, with an over/under of 6 shots. Ladies and gentlemen it’s an upset as the big dude is taken out. Also, anyone who took the over (it took seven shots) can now collect your colorful Canadian money. To make matters worse? The old dude gets knocked over and loses his girl to the band.

To recap: Lots of Jim Beam, old school rock and roll, colorful Canadian money, and more Jim Beam lead to an entertaining video all around. Lesson learned? Always carry a Samurai sword with you and if you can drink a lot you will always get the hot girl in the end. - Metal Underground.com

Having heard the news that Dilana was going to be the lead vocalist for the Tracii Guns' led version of L.A. Guns, and having seen and heard what a great vocalist she was on the TV show Rockstar, I was really looking forward to checking them out at the Rockpile in Toronto.

Perhaps it was the lack of advertising, or simply the sad state of hard rock/heavy metal generally speaking, but the Rockpile venue was pretty bare for such a legendary band. Then again, when I first saw the Tracii Guns/Phil Lewis version of L.A. Guns more than 21 years ago in a similar bar type venue in Ottawa, the crowd was about the same, or at least as far as I can recall.




I arrived around 10 pm or so at the Rockpile so missed whichever opening acts were on before that time. However, I did get the opportunity to see a new band, Reverse Grip, which caught my attention. It was mostly because I felt like I had been transposed back to the glory days of Los Angeles' Sunset Strip days in the early 80s. The guys in Reverse Grip had the 'look' and sound of all of the great bands that I had enjoyed back in the early 80s -- Ratt, Motley Crue and even Poison, with a bit of Guns N' Roses like attitude.

Truth be told, I had never heard of Reverse Grip, but later learned that they were a local Toronto band formed by the three Broda brothers. I did not know any of their songs but easily recognized the one cover song, Guns N' Roses' "It's So Easy", in their seven song set. I was pretty sure that I knew the name of their last song as well, "Nasty Reputation", and I was later confirmed correct in my not that brilliant analysis. Whatever the case, the guys in Reverse Grip put on a good show and seemed genuinely excited to be playing. Their songs were quite catchy, a la Poison, but had more of a sleazy type feel like Faster Pussycat with lyrics sometimes resembling Steel Panther's sexually charged lyrics. Perhaps the thing that sets these guys apart is the singer Dru Broda who has an original sounding raspy voice.

As I later learned, Reverse Grip appears to be a relatively new band that has just released a four song EP. Songs like "Take It To The Limit", "Singapore Sling" and their single "Nasty Reputation" are all very catchy and easy to listen to. Definitely a band to keep an eye out for in the future. Hopefully, Reverse Grip will be able to make it out of the rather dead Toronto metal scene (unless you are a superstar band such as Iron Maiden, etc.).

L.A. Guns finally hit the stage at about 11:20 pm or so. The stage set was a 'no frills' set with not even a banner in the background with 'L.A. Guns' on it. The only real difference between the stages used by Reverse Grip and L.A. Guns was that the headliners appeared to have a deeper stage with their drummer Doni Gray's kit being nestled quite far back. Perhaps L.A. Guns had more lights, but being up front near the stage I didn't really notice.




Hitting the stage with "Over The Edge", things ramped up quickly by the time they played "Never Enough". One thing was clear, Dilana had a great voice and could easily handle the L.A. Guns classics. Perhaps as a way to get Dilana into the band, the rest of the guys played a few of her originals including a song entitled "My Drug". Dilana's penned songs blended fairly well with the classic L.A. Guns tunes although it was clear what people were there to hear -- the classics such as "Electric Gypsy", "Rip And Tear" and "Sex Action".

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with L.A. Guns given that they only played 15 songs or so, they obviously dropped a few of their more popular tracks to make way for Dilana's own songs, and there was a lack of a real stage show. I should not really complain on the later issue given that it was still a treat to see Tracii Guns and some form of L.A. Guns playing in Canada after all these years and the price of admission ($20 or so) was very cheap (about four or five times less) compared to what I had to pay to see Judas Priest in concert a few weeks later.

Perhaps the saddest part of this latest Tracii Guns' lead version of L.A. Guns is that Dilana has now left, or got fired, from the band, which is a real shame since she has a great voice and could really belt out the L.A. Guns hits. It would have been fun to see what Tracii and Dilana could have come up with for the next L.A. Guns recording. Obviously, it was not meant to be.

I guess that we will have to wait for Dilana's apparent upcoming book to find out what really happened (at least from her point of view) and resulted in this version of L.A. Guns breaking up so quickly. But at the end of the day, whoever showed up at the Rockpile was treated to an evening of good old-fashioned sleaze type rock and that is all that really matters.
- Sleaze Roxx.com

Having heard the news that Dilana was going to be the lead vocalist for the Tracii Guns' led version of L.A. Guns, and having seen and heard what a great vocalist she was on the TV show Rockstar, I was really looking forward to checking them out at the Rockpile in Toronto.

Perhaps it was the lack of advertising, or simply the sad state of hard rock/heavy metal generally speaking, but the Rockpile venue was pretty bare for such a legendary band. Then again, when I first saw the Tracii Guns/Phil Lewis version of L.A. Guns more than 21 years ago in a similar bar type venue in Ottawa, the crowd was about the same, or at least as far as I can recall.




I arrived around 10 pm or so at the Rockpile so missed whichever opening acts were on before that time. However, I did get the opportunity to see a new band, Reverse Grip, which caught my attention. It was mostly because I felt like I had been transposed back to the glory days of Los Angeles' Sunset Strip days in the early 80s. The guys in Reverse Grip had the 'look' and sound of all of the great bands that I had enjoyed back in the early 80s -- Ratt, Motley Crue and even Poison, with a bit of Guns N' Roses like attitude.

Truth be told, I had never heard of Reverse Grip, but later learned that they were a local Toronto band formed by the three Broda brothers. I did not know any of their songs but easily recognized the one cover song, Guns N' Roses' "It's So Easy", in their seven song set. I was pretty sure that I knew the name of their last song as well, "Nasty Reputation", and I was later confirmed correct in my not that brilliant analysis. Whatever the case, the guys in Reverse Grip put on a good show and seemed genuinely excited to be playing. Their songs were quite catchy, a la Poison, but had more of a sleazy type feel like Faster Pussycat with lyrics sometimes resembling Steel Panther's sexually charged lyrics. Perhaps the thing that sets these guys apart is the singer Dru Broda who has an original sounding raspy voice.

As I later learned, Reverse Grip appears to be a relatively new band that has just released a four song EP. Songs like "Take It To The Limit", "Singapore Sling" and their single "Nasty Reputation" are all very catchy and easy to listen to. Definitely a band to keep an eye out for in the future. Hopefully, Reverse Grip will be able to make it out of the rather dead Toronto metal scene (unless you are a superstar band such as Iron Maiden, etc.).

L.A. Guns finally hit the stage at about 11:20 pm or so. The stage set was a 'no frills' set with not even a banner in the background with 'L.A. Guns' on it. The only real difference between the stages used by Reverse Grip and L.A. Guns was that the headliners appeared to have a deeper stage with their drummer Doni Gray's kit being nestled quite far back. Perhaps L.A. Guns had more lights, but being up front near the stage I didn't really notice.




Hitting the stage with "Over The Edge", things ramped up quickly by the time they played "Never Enough". One thing was clear, Dilana had a great voice and could easily handle the L.A. Guns classics. Perhaps as a way to get Dilana into the band, the rest of the guys played a few of her originals including a song entitled "My Drug". Dilana's penned songs blended fairly well with the classic L.A. Guns tunes although it was clear what people were there to hear -- the classics such as "Electric Gypsy", "Rip And Tear" and "Sex Action".

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with L.A. Guns given that they only played 15 songs or so, they obviously dropped a few of their more popular tracks to make way for Dilana's own songs, and there was a lack of a real stage show. I should not really complain on the later issue given that it was still a treat to see Tracii Guns and some form of L.A. Guns playing in Canada after all these years and the price of admission ($20 or so) was very cheap (about four or five times less) compared to what I had to pay to see Judas Priest in concert a few weeks later.

Perhaps the saddest part of this latest Tracii Guns' lead version of L.A. Guns is that Dilana has now left, or got fired, from the band, which is a real shame since she has a great voice and could really belt out the L.A. Guns hits. It would have been fun to see what Tracii and Dilana could have come up with for the next L.A. Guns recording. Obviously, it was not meant to be.

I guess that we will have to wait for Dilana's apparent upcoming book to find out what really happened (at least from her point of view) and resulted in this version of L.A. Guns breaking up so quickly. But at the end of the day, whoever showed up at the Rockpile was treated to an evening of good old-fashioned sleaze type rock and that is all that really matters.
- Sleaze Roxx.com

Lately we observe an awakening of the old school sound and we see many bands rising and using it as an influence, as the foundation of their music.

The ‘80s are considered to be the golden decade for our beloved music so a revival of that sound is only natural to occur every once in a while. REVERSE GRIP from Canada is a newcoming band that’s here to pay tribute, with their music, to the ‘80s hard rock sound and the glamour of that era! “Hunger for Chaos” is their debut full length work that comes only a year after their “Nasty Reputation” EP. So what you’ll have the chance to enjoy here is uplifting music with a party vibe and a rock ‘n’ roll attitude that follows the teachings of the ‘80s mega bands like GUNS ‘N’ ROSES, MOTLEY CRUE, AEROSMITH and so many other amazing groups… The songs here are pure adrenaline and showcase a bonded, powerful band that’s destined to play in big venues and arenas if given the chance! If you are suckers for catchy riffs, sing along choruses, sleazy dirty tunes, nice hooks, great vocals, up tempo heavy rhythms and a good guitar work it means you love the 80s hard rock sound which subsequently means you’re definitely going to love REVERSE GRIP. “Hunger for Chaos” is a great choice not only for those who love old school hard rock, but also for the young ones who want to have a taste of this genre for the first time… this is one of the finest and most fun ways to start checking this sound out! - Behind the Veil - WebZine

Lately we observe an awakening of the old school sound and we see many bands rising and using it as an influence, as the foundation of their music.

The ‘80s are considered to be the golden decade for our beloved music so a revival of that sound is only natural to occur every once in a while. REVERSE GRIP from Canada is a newcoming band that’s here to pay tribute, with their music, to the ‘80s hard rock sound and the glamour of that era! “Hunger for Chaos” is their debut full length work that comes only a year after their “Nasty Reputation” EP. So what you’ll have the chance to enjoy here is uplifting music with a party vibe and a rock ‘n’ roll attitude that follows the teachings of the ‘80s mega bands like GUNS ‘N’ ROSES, MOTLEY CRUE, AEROSMITH and so many other amazing groups… The songs here are pure adrenaline and showcase a bonded, powerful band that’s destined to play in big venues and arenas if given the chance! If you are suckers for catchy riffs, sing along choruses, sleazy dirty tunes, nice hooks, great vocals, up tempo heavy rhythms and a good guitar work it means you love the 80s hard rock sound which subsequently means you’re definitely going to love REVERSE GRIP. “Hunger for Chaos” is a great choice not only for those who love old school hard rock, but also for the young ones who want to have a taste of this genre for the first time… this is one of the finest and most fun ways to start checking this sound out! - Behind the Veil - WebZine

From the looks of the band, I wonder if the members of Reverse Grip are old enough to remember the heady hard rock days of the late Eighties. They probably weren't even born when Guns N Roses released Appetite For Destruction. But, this band formed by the three Broda brothers, Sean (g), Dru (v), and Dylan (d) with Kramer White on bass, play rock straight out of 1987 Los Angeles on their debut album Hunger For Chaos.

Reverse Grip:: something's funny.
They're pretty darn good at it too. Dru Broda has a versatile vocal range, and an adequate amount of sneer envelope anyone from Axl Rose to David Lee Roth. Sean can wail on that six string, too; he can echo peers like Slash and Mike Mars, but also has a gritty, sometimes blues, edge to his tone. Dylan and Kramer White offer a thundering stable rhythm section.
The music is basically sweaty and swaggering hard rock, more melodic hard rock with the sleaze flavor, notable on songs like Midnight Fox, Tease Me or Looking to Score. They steal a page from the GnR playbook with the simmering opening lead guitar on Mirror Mirror. Mostly, from start to finish Hunger For Chaos is a rock album, suitable for a sweaty barroom or backyard kegger. Pass on the ugly art work; otherwise: easily recommended. - Danger Dog.com

From the looks of the band, I wonder if the members of Reverse Grip are old enough to remember the heady hard rock days of the late Eighties. They probably weren't even born when Guns N Roses released Appetite For Destruction. But, this band formed by the three Broda brothers, Sean (g), Dru (v), and Dylan (d) with Kramer White on bass, play rock straight out of 1987 Los Angeles on their debut album Hunger For Chaos.

Reverse Grip:: something's funny.
They're pretty darn good at it too. Dru Broda has a versatile vocal range, and an adequate amount of sneer envelope anyone from Axl Rose to David Lee Roth. Sean can wail on that six string, too; he can echo peers like Slash and Mike Mars, but also has a gritty, sometimes blues, edge to his tone. Dylan and Kramer White offer a thundering stable rhythm section.
The music is basically sweaty and swaggering hard rock, more melodic hard rock with the sleaze flavor, notable on songs like Midnight Fox, Tease Me or Looking to Score. They steal a page from the GnR playbook with the simmering opening lead guitar on Mirror Mirror. Mostly, from start to finish Hunger For Chaos is a rock album, suitable for a sweaty barroom or backyard kegger. Pass on the ugly art work; otherwise: easily recommended. - Danger Dog.com

Famiglia di rocker quella dei Broda, tre fratelli (Dru alla voce, Sean alla chitarra e Dylan al basso) che insieme al bassista Eskander Mirza hanno formato i Reverse Grip e hanno esordito con l’ep “Nasty Reputation” nel 2011.

E’ di quest’anno invece il loro primo lavoro sulla lunga distanza, che a dispetto di un artwork forse un po’ forviante, è un’incontaminato hard rock che pesca dal repertorio classico dallo street rock anni 80: dai Guns N’ Roses ai Motley Crue, dai Britny Fox agli AC/DC, alcuni nomi che si possono usare per accostare ad un primo ascolto il loro sound.

La band di Slash è senza dubbio quella più presente nei vari passaggi di “Hunger For Chaos”, ma anche quella di Nikki Sixx fa capolino qua e là, come nel caso di “Dancing On A Bullet”, consegnandoci un CD dalle melodie efficaci con suoni caldi e stradaioli.

Dischi come “Appetite For Destruction” non ne escono da un bel po’, ma questo lavoro risulta ugualmente godibile anche se difficilmente sarebbe entrato nei “Migliori 100 dischi Glam Metal”. - SLAM Party Rock Zine *Italy*

Famiglia di rocker quella dei Broda, tre fratelli (Dru alla voce, Sean alla chitarra e Dylan al basso) che insieme al bassista Eskander Mirza hanno formato i Reverse Grip e hanno esordito con l’ep “Nasty Reputation” nel 2011.

E’ di quest’anno invece il loro primo lavoro sulla lunga distanza, che a dispetto di un artwork forse un po’ forviante, è un’incontaminato hard rock che pesca dal repertorio classico dallo street rock anni 80: dai Guns N’ Roses ai Motley Crue, dai Britny Fox agli AC/DC, alcuni nomi che si possono usare per accostare ad un primo ascolto il loro sound.

La band di Slash è senza dubbio quella più presente nei vari passaggi di “Hunger For Chaos”, ma anche quella di Nikki Sixx fa capolino qua e là, come nel caso di “Dancing On A Bullet”, consegnandoci un CD dalle melodie efficaci con suoni caldi e stradaioli.

Dischi come “Appetite For Destruction” non ne escono da un bel po’, ma questo lavoro risulta ugualmente godibile anche se difficilmente sarebbe entrato nei “Migliori 100 dischi Glam Metal”. - SLAM Party Rock Zine *Italy*

Toronto’s loudest brothers dropped a solid hard rockin’ EP called Nasty Reputation last year, and it found a decent audience with it’s 5 brash, snotty nosed sleazy rock n’ roll anthems.

This year the brothers Broda have upped the ante for their debut full-length Hunger For Chaos.

You can hear the fire in their belly from Sean Broda’s tasty blues licks that intro Enjoy The Chaos, right the way through to closer You’re Goin’ Down – the raw and snotty punkyness of that EP has given way to a more Guns n’ Roses sound throughout, without sacrificing any of the energy and power they are reknowned for.

Sold My Soul and Mirror Mirror are as catchy a pair of anthems as you could hope for in 2012, Midnight Fox and Dancin’ On A Bullet are head shaking, foot stompin’ rockers that will have the listener sweating buckets.

Drummer Dylan Broda is a powerhouse, unrelenting in his assault on his kit, while new bassist Kramer White nails down the beat and keeps the engine turning over. Singer Dru Broda skips the Axl Rose influences, going straight back to the source in Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe, all dynamic howl and projected energy.

Tease Me is another scorching rocker that wouldn’t be out of place on Appetite For Destruction or a Backyard Babies album, with Sean Broda tearing his fingers apart on the strings with a shredding performance. On Looking To Score they indulge their metal side with a dynamite fuelled chant-driven ballbuster, and Quick & Dirty slaps anyone who hasn’t been converted by this point into submission. Album closer You’re Goin’ Down explores an Alice Cooper-does-punk vibe, rounding the album out nicely.

Where the EP sounded like a band who were desperately trying to find themselves – and perhaps trying a bit too hard – the layered, blues-sleaze sound of Hunger For Chaos finds them fully self-expressive and on fiery form.

On the strength of this album and their recent Japanese and Australian tours, they are only likely to get bigger and bigger – Hunger For Chaos is one of the unexpected treats of the year for any discerning hard rock fan. - 100% ROCK Online *Australia*

Toronto’s loudest brothers dropped a solid hard rockin’ EP called Nasty Reputation last year, and it found a decent audience with it’s 5 brash, snotty nosed sleazy rock n’ roll anthems.

This year the brothers Broda have upped the ante for their debut full-length Hunger For Chaos.

You can hear the fire in their belly from Sean Broda’s tasty blues licks that intro Enjoy The Chaos, right the way through to closer You’re Goin’ Down – the raw and snotty punkyness of that EP has given way to a more Guns n’ Roses sound throughout, without sacrificing any of the energy and power they are reknowned for.

Sold My Soul and Mirror Mirror are as catchy a pair of anthems as you could hope for in 2012, Midnight Fox and Dancin’ On A Bullet are head shaking, foot stompin’ rockers that will have the listener sweating buckets.

Drummer Dylan Broda is a powerhouse, unrelenting in his assault on his kit, while new bassist Kramer White nails down the beat and keeps the engine turning over. Singer Dru Broda skips the Axl Rose influences, going straight back to the source in Hanoi Rocks’ Michael Monroe, all dynamic howl and projected energy.

Tease Me is another scorching rocker that wouldn’t be out of place on Appetite For Destruction or a Backyard Babies album, with Sean Broda tearing his fingers apart on the strings with a shredding performance. On Looking To Score they indulge their metal side with a dynamite fuelled chant-driven ballbuster, and Quick & Dirty slaps anyone who hasn’t been converted by this point into submission. Album closer You’re Goin’ Down explores an Alice Cooper-does-punk vibe, rounding the album out nicely.

Where the EP sounded like a band who were desperately trying to find themselves – and perhaps trying a bit too hard – the layered, blues-sleaze sound of Hunger For Chaos finds them fully self-expressive and on fiery form.

On the strength of this album and their recent Japanese and Australian tours, they are only likely to get bigger and bigger – Hunger For Chaos is one of the unexpected treats of the year for any discerning hard rock fan. - 100% ROCK Online *Australia*

Hunger For Chaos is the first full-length album by the Canadian rock band Reverse Grip. In 2011 the group released an EP titled Nasty Reputation that showcased the band's love of eighties party anthems.
Debut albums are always interesting to me -- some bands claim innocence, as if they are entering a new world full of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but this is not the case with this album. On Hunger For Chaos Reverse Grip come across as if they created the rock and roll lifestyle, and are THE party band of the moment.
The album kicks off with "Enjoy The Chaos", which is one of my favorite tunes on the disc. I'm a sucker for great intros, and this song had me visualizing myself driving a hot car on Route 66 and then pressing down hard on the gas as the guitars hit. The lyrics and chorus are a celebration of fighting and partying, so this is really the perfect track to set the tone for this record. The next track, "Sold My Soul", is heavy on celebrating rock 'n' roll and sounds like a song Gene Simmons of KISS or Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue would have recorded on one of their recent efforts. "The Fire" and "Midnight Fox" are catchy tunes that are followed by "Dancing On A Bullet", which I have to say is in my all-time top five of greatest song names.
The songs on Hunger For Chaos build on the momentum shown during the Nasty Reputation EP -- Reverse Grip may not have matured on covered topics, but have as musicians. The songs are faster, more gritty (in a sleazy way), and heavy on catchy riffs and hooks -- all playing to the strengths of this band. If the opener is my favorite tune then "Tease Me" and "Looking To Score" are a close second and third. The latter showcases Dru Broda's vocal range, reaching low into the gravel section of his voice only to finish high with the big chorus.
Reverse Grip's Hunger For Chaos is a start to finish memoir on drinking, partying, and fighting... all in the name of rock and roll! This album is a huge step forward for this band and another great rock and roll entry for 2012. I'm excited to see the future for this band, but for now will enjoy the moment and enjoy Hunger For Chaos.
www.reversegriprock.com - www.facebook.com/reversegriprock

Reviewed by David S. Grant (author of Rock Stars) for Sleaze Roxx, October 2012 - Sleaze Roxx.com

Hunger For Chaos is the first full-length album by the Canadian rock band Reverse Grip. In 2011 the group released an EP titled Nasty Reputation that showcased the band's love of eighties party anthems.
Debut albums are always interesting to me -- some bands claim innocence, as if they are entering a new world full of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, but this is not the case with this album. On Hunger For Chaos Reverse Grip come across as if they created the rock and roll lifestyle, and are THE party band of the moment.
The album kicks off with "Enjoy The Chaos", which is one of my favorite tunes on the disc. I'm a sucker for great intros, and this song had me visualizing myself driving a hot car on Route 66 and then pressing down hard on the gas as the guitars hit. The lyrics and chorus are a celebration of fighting and partying, so this is really the perfect track to set the tone for this record. The next track, "Sold My Soul", is heavy on celebrating rock 'n' roll and sounds like a song Gene Simmons of KISS or Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue would have recorded on one of their recent efforts. "The Fire" and "Midnight Fox" are catchy tunes that are followed by "Dancing On A Bullet", which I have to say is in my all-time top five of greatest song names.
The songs on Hunger For Chaos build on the momentum shown during the Nasty Reputation EP -- Reverse Grip may not have matured on covered topics, but have as musicians. The songs are faster, more gritty (in a sleazy way), and heavy on catchy riffs and hooks -- all playing to the strengths of this band. If the opener is my favorite tune then "Tease Me" and "Looking To Score" are a close second and third. The latter showcases Dru Broda's vocal range, reaching low into the gravel section of his voice only to finish high with the big chorus.
Reverse Grip's Hunger For Chaos is a start to finish memoir on drinking, partying, and fighting... all in the name of rock and roll! This album is a huge step forward for this band and another great rock and roll entry for 2012. I'm excited to see the future for this band, but for now will enjoy the moment and enjoy Hunger For Chaos.
www.reversegriprock.com - www.facebook.com/reversegriprock

Reviewed by David S. Grant (author of Rock Stars) for Sleaze Roxx, October 2012 - Sleaze Roxx.com