SweetKiss Momma

SweetKiss Momma is an southern-rock band from Washington and their album “A Reckoning Is Coming” is not even out yet. Yes, this is an exclusive review of the album before it comes out in early 2014. Needless to say, 2014 is going to be a good year for SweetKiss Momma.
The album opens up with “Fix My Hair”, the opening guitar riff and drum beat basically says “buckle up”. With a kick of southern style rock this track is the best way they could have started off the album. Incredible guitar solos couple by simplistic yet empowering drum beats and an amazing bass line that will attempt to get you ready for the album that is “A Reckoning Coming”. Following right behind is the title track and this upbeat track is incredibly catchy. It deserves the title track as I am sure this may be the single off the album. “Same Old Stories” is a slower track and it shows the more emotional side of this band. This is a very lyrically strong track and you can tell some serious thought went into each word and how it was used. Then comes in “Get Some Love” which picks you right back up. This track has some of the best guitar riffs in the album which gives off an arena rock feel that I’m sure is going to keep this band headed in the right direction. “Laura Rose” is another slower track on the album that is absolutely beautiful, even though it is all instrumental you can still see the feeling behind it. There is a song on here that needs no review because I think everyone needs to hear it for themselves. When you by this album listen to “Dirty Uncle Deezer”, this is southern-rock at it’s best. Nearing the end of the album is “Birthday Cake” which is hilarious and true at the same time. This is going to be the next sing-a-long song that gets played in every bar across America. The album ends on an acoustic version of the third track “Breathe Rebel”.
Overall this is a fantastic album, it is very well produced as instrument stands out just enough without overpowering any of the others. The vocals come out clear and really emphasizes the great feeling behind SweetKiss Momma. No matter what kind of rock you are into I would suggest this album. Once this album is released to SweetKiss Momma’s fans they are going to be very pleased. - Booked Promotions

SweetKiss Momma's rebel rock is something that resonates from the Deep South, through their home in Puyallup and beyond. When you listen to the grit of dirty guitar, down-home lyrics and whiskey-licks, it's irresistible.

Don't just take my word for it. SweetKiss Momma is now in The Final Four competition of the Seattle WAVE Radio Jammin' Challenge Battle of the Local Bands held Saturday, Nov. 16 at The Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle.

"We've been extremely busy as a band over the last year," explains SweetKiss Momma front man, pondering what edge the band might carry into the final competition. "Gearing up to do a proper release of the new album (A Reckoning Is Coming), playing more on the road than we ever have before, and getting involved in opportunities that have caused us to focus on nailing a specific performance. ... I realize that may not sound all that sexy, but at that moment when all the writing, rehearsing and preparing is done, and you have given all you have to the effort of creating, you have to believe that you are bringing your absolute best."

He pauses.

"And you have to trust that the other guys are feeling the exact same way. I feel like we are just hitting our stride. We are comfortable together and confident in what we do. If we have an edge, it's that we really are, as Adam McKinney put it, ‘comfortable in our own skin.'"

Another winning factor is that Eric Robert - keyboard player for Vicci Martinez, and current touring key player for Michael Franti & Spearhead - will sit in with the band for their set Saturday at the Hard Rock.

"He's played a couple of shows with us over the last few months, and we are looking forward to having him as our secret weapon," says Hamel.

SweetKiss Momma will be playing for more than $16,000 in prizes, including the opportunity to perform at Play It Forward 4 early next year. Last year's Play It Forward concert included members of Heart, Yes (official), John Lennon's Plastic Ono Band and Spike from Spike & The Impalers. - Weekly Volcano - USA

Best of Tacoma 2013 Readers' Poll - Best Band: SweetKiss Momma
by Rev. Adam McKinney

The first thing I do, after reaching Jeff Hamel on the phone, is to congratulate him and his band, SweetKiss Momma, for being voted best band in Tacoma by readers of the Weekly Volcano.

"Thanks you very much," says Hamel. "The Best of Puyallup issue is what we were hoping for, but we'll settle for Tacoma. (Laughs.)"

OK, best to get out in front of this potential controversy before it tears this town apart. SweetKiss Momma are, indeed, a Puyallup act. But! It must be noted, Hamel says, that half of the band has since relocated to Tacoma, which I'm pretty sure doesn't violate any of the Best of Tacoma's bylaws, ensuring that a recount need not be administered.

Volcano readers aren't the only ones who have been paying attention to SweetKiss Momma, to say the least. Since forming roughly five years ago, SweetKiss Momma came out of the gate running.

"Initially, we were all playing together as church musicians," says Hamel. "We had been playing together for a few years and decided that we wanted to do some original stuff, something definitely not gospel-y or spiritual stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with it; we just wanted to play some rock ‘n' roll."

SweetKiss Momma never intended to be a Southern rock band - they thought they were just writing rock songs. But, as audiences began to embrace them as Southern rock, the band began to embrace that style. Turns out they fit pretty well in that mold, to the point of getting the opportunity to have their newest record - A Reckoning Is Coming - produced by Ken Coomer (former member of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco) and mastered by Richard Dodd (who has worked with the likes of Tom Petty, Steve Earle, the Traveling Wilburys, and the Dixie Chicks).

In December, the band headed down to Nashville to lay down their album at Creative Workshop Recording.

"Initially, it was incredibly intimidating," says Hamel. "Right next to Creative Workshop is a studio called Blackbird Studios, which is the number one recording studio in the world. The day before we got there, Rush was finishing up their album. We literally missed meeting those guys by a stinking day. ... Like you'd imagine, all these platinum and gold records lining the wall - and the studio was big in the early ‘70s up to the early ‘80s, so there's a lot of Jimmy Buffet, Willie Nelson, some Johnny Cash stuff, and Dolly Parton. The story of this place is that Elvis Presley's last recording session was there."

That's a whole lot of pedigree for SweetKiss Momma to be walking into. Hamel jokes that he hopes some of that mojo seeped into his recording session.

From the opening drums of the muscular opening track, "Fix My Hair," A Reckoning Is Coming strives to dig SweetKiss Momma's feet even further into the dirt. It's a record with the drive to meet expectations sewn into its fiber. SweetKiss Momma draw from several eras of Southern rock, from the heavy blues of the title track to the Wilco-ish lilt of "Same Old Stories" and "Laura Rose," the arena-sized stomps and handclaps of "For the Last Time" to the silly organ-led jaunt of "Birthday Cake." It smacks of SweetKiss Momma throwing everything they've got at the album that could be their big break.

Though a proper release date hasn't been decided, A Reckoning is currently available at SweetKiss Momma's live shows - which is where you oughta be, anyway. A band with this kind of kismet, this humility, this comfort in their own skin, is bound to go places in their own time. - Weekly Volcano

Best of Tacoma 2013 Readers' Poll - Best Band: SweetKiss Momma
by Rev. Adam McKinney

The first thing I do, after reaching Jeff Hamel on the phone, is to congratulate him and his band, SweetKiss Momma, for being voted best band in Tacoma by readers of the Weekly Volcano.

"Thanks you very much," says Hamel. "The Best of Puyallup issue is what we were hoping for, but we'll settle for Tacoma. (Laughs.)"

OK, best to get out in front of this potential controversy before it tears this town apart. SweetKiss Momma are, indeed, a Puyallup act. But! It must be noted, Hamel says, that half of the band has since relocated to Tacoma, which I'm pretty sure doesn't violate any of the Best of Tacoma's bylaws, ensuring that a recount need not be administered.

Volcano readers aren't the only ones who have been paying attention to SweetKiss Momma, to say the least. Since forming roughly five years ago, SweetKiss Momma came out of the gate running.

"Initially, we were all playing together as church musicians," says Hamel. "We had been playing together for a few years and decided that we wanted to do some original stuff, something definitely not gospel-y or spiritual stuff. Not that there's anything wrong with it; we just wanted to play some rock ‘n' roll."

SweetKiss Momma never intended to be a Southern rock band - they thought they were just writing rock songs. But, as audiences began to embrace them as Southern rock, the band began to embrace that style. Turns out they fit pretty well in that mold, to the point of getting the opportunity to have their newest record - A Reckoning Is Coming - produced by Ken Coomer (former member of Uncle Tupelo and Wilco) and mastered by Richard Dodd (who has worked with the likes of Tom Petty, Steve Earle, the Traveling Wilburys, and the Dixie Chicks).

In December, the band headed down to Nashville to lay down their album at Creative Workshop Recording.

"Initially, it was incredibly intimidating," says Hamel. "Right next to Creative Workshop is a studio called Blackbird Studios, which is the number one recording studio in the world. The day before we got there, Rush was finishing up their album. We literally missed meeting those guys by a stinking day. ... Like you'd imagine, all these platinum and gold records lining the wall - and the studio was big in the early ‘70s up to the early ‘80s, so there's a lot of Jimmy Buffet, Willie Nelson, some Johnny Cash stuff, and Dolly Parton. The story of this place is that Elvis Presley's last recording session was there."

That's a whole lot of pedigree for SweetKiss Momma to be walking into. Hamel jokes that he hopes some of that mojo seeped into his recording session.

From the opening drums of the muscular opening track, "Fix My Hair," A Reckoning Is Coming strives to dig SweetKiss Momma's feet even further into the dirt. It's a record with the drive to meet expectations sewn into its fiber. SweetKiss Momma draw from several eras of Southern rock, from the heavy blues of the title track to the Wilco-ish lilt of "Same Old Stories" and "Laura Rose," the arena-sized stomps and handclaps of "For the Last Time" to the silly organ-led jaunt of "Birthday Cake." It smacks of SweetKiss Momma throwing everything they've got at the album that could be their big break.

Though a proper release date hasn't been decided, A Reckoning is currently available at SweetKiss Momma's live shows - which is where you oughta be, anyway. A band with this kind of kismet, this humility, this comfort in their own skin, is bound to go places in their own time. - Weekly Volcano

"A young band with an old soul!" - Stacy (Crazy Mama) Ireland - DJ @ KZOK Seattle

Written by Melissa Kucirek

The five piece rock band Sweet Kiss Momma succeeds at making blues, southern rock tracks a near spiritual experience.

At first it is easy to throw Sweet Kiss Momma into a bar band category. But a few listens and just a track to two into Revival Rock the presence and potent delivery of this Washington state-based five pieces reaches beyond bar band status. With clever vocal delivery and solid rock orchestration, Sweet Kiss Momma finds a way to make their bluesy, southern rock sound almost spiritual. This band brings it and awakens any dormant souls looking for solid rock.

Great Song, With Great Hook
The first trio of songs are as different as can be, yet, the bluesy sound sneaks through. "Ready to Go" (track one) has this killer squelching guitar riff, churning alongside this fun bluesy - rock sound. It definitely has a bar feel to it. Track two, "Son of The Mountain" is not this writer's favorite of the three. However, it is still an interesting piece and the word choices are clever. It is "Slow Fade" (track three) that nails the mood. It is a great song with an even greater hook.

As the CD plays through, there seems to be constant comparisons to Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, Bo Bice, Big Head Todd & The Monsters, The Black Crowes, The Zak Brown Band and Lynard Skynyrd. For an unsigned band, Sweet Kiss Mama has a killer sounding package. Lead singer Jeff Hamel is surrounded by a skilled group - Tyson Lickert (drums), Waid Hoyt (guitar), Aaron Arnold (guitar) and bassist Randy Jackson.

Like the bands mentioned above, Sweet Kiss Momma has a solid rock sound, backed with heavy guitar riffs. Sweet Kiss Momma's songs linger and each have a unique story to share. Track six "Strange Fire" is a sad, turn the page ballad. In "Sweet Little Thing" (track seven) the sound is punched more and feels a bit more pop.

These Songs Have Staying Power
Of the CD's 12 tracks, nearly all are favorable and worth adding to any iTunes mix. The top contenders are "Slow Fade," "Ounce of Pride," "Sugar In The Raw" (this song has an incredible introduction), "Good God Woman," and "To Help Man." These songs have heart; these songs have grit; these songs have staying power.

Review is a Solid A
Overall, this review is a solid A. Sweet Kiss Momma has a solid team of musicians and its songwriting voice is fresh. Sweet Kiss Momma manages to revive rock - Revival Rock is very appropriate title. Get this album. Now. - Suite 101

"Last Saturday was, by all reckoning, a good one… SweetKiss Momma took to the stage Saturday night at the Tractor in Seattle promoting their new record “A Reckoning is Coming”. This Southern-soul tinged Rock-n-Roll band fronted by Jeff Hamel brought down the house with a rock and roll performance reminiscent to that of the classic rock and roll legends LYNYRD SKYNYRD. The 5 member band put it on a packed house with their soon to be hits “Breathe Rebel” and “A Reckoning is Coming”. SKM Lead Guitarist Aaron Arnold laid on some soulful riffs to the standing room only crowd leaving the classic southern rock faithful more than satisfied. Jeremy and Jimmy kept it all so soulful and smooth on the bass and drums while Kim added a perfect little bit of fire with her harmonies and tambourine. This performance leads me to believe that it is no longer coming… A Reckoning is Here. If you love yourself some classic, southern style rock and roll… SweetKiss Momma is the real deal. " - Seattle Sound Live

SweetKiss Momma is named one of the Top-10 local bands (Top-5 among those performing primarily original music) by Seattle area NBC affiliate KING 5. - KING 5 (Seattle NBC affiliate)

1.Mississippi Nights - The 484 South Band
2.BB Guns and Dirtbikes - The White Buffalo
3.Survive - Rebel Pride
4.Not Today - Preacher Stone
5.Distant Memory Lane - Fifth On The Floor
6.Out In The Rain - The Savoy Truffle
7.Drinkin' Friends - Fifth On The Floor
8.Good One Coming On - Blackberry Smoke
9.Peace is Free - Black Stone Cherry
10.Rehab - 27 Miles

16.Slow Fade - SweetKiss Momma

49.Mercy Love - SweetKiss Momma

71.Son of the Mountain - SweetKiss Momma - Southern Rock Brasil

(translated via Gogle Translate)

SweetKiss Momma is a band from the city of Tacoma, Oregon which appeared in 2008, but its origins go back a few years ago and more specifically in 2000, when singer Jeff Hamel, drummer and guitar Tyson Lickert Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold played in a local church.
The first work of the band came out in 2008. "SweetKiss Mama" and an EP with only three tracks.


The band began touring the northwestern U.S. and impressed the audience wherever he went with his dynamic performance, which has led to comparisons with legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band and contemporary stars Black Crowes.


The debut album of the band, "Rock Revival" was released in 2010. The album was highly praised and comparisons were again inevitable, especially because it has a solid sound, backed with heavy guitar riffs, SweetKiss Momma is a group for those who like the old school of Southern Rock and Blues Rock.


"Rock Revival" topped the charts of Southern Rock and Roots Rock, cdbaby.com and went straight into the Top Ten in global sales, but SweetKiss mom is probably best known in Europe than in the U.S., thanks to its agreements distribution with several distributors europeoa. Currently an independent band and self-funded for an American label and the sponsor for his tour. - Southern Rock Spain

(translated via Google Translate)

The band's debut album, "Rock Revival", released in 2010, was highly praised and comparisons were inevitable, especially because it has a solid sound, backed with heavy guitar riffs. For those who like an old school Blues Rock, Southern Rock, "Rock Revival" is an album indicated. - Southern Rock Brasil (Brazil)

(translated via Google Translate)
The SweetKiss Momma came in the city of Puyallup, Oregon in 2008, but its origins date back to 2000, when singer Jeff Hamel, drummer and guitarist Tyson Lickert Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold played in a local church.
The album was highly praised and comparisons were inevitable, especially because it has a solid sound, backed with heavy guitar riffs. Para quem gosta de um Blues Rock old school e Southern Rock, é um "Revival Rock" álbum indicado. For those who like an old school Blues Rock, Southern Rock, is a "Rock Revival" album indicated.
"Revival Rock" topped the charts Southern Rock, Roots Rock at cdbaby.com and went straight into the Top Ten in global sales, but SweetKiss Momma is probably best known in Europe than in the U.S., thanks to its distribution agreements with several labels Europeans.
They are currently an independent band and self-funded, but looking for an American label and distribution agreement for the tour. - Souhern Rock Brasil (Brazil)

(translated via Google Translate)
The SweetKiss Momma came in the city of Puyallup, Oregon in 2008, but its origins date back to 2000, when singer Jeff Hamel, drummer and guitarist Tyson Lickert Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold played in a local church.
The album was highly praised and comparisons were inevitable, especially because it has a solid sound, backed with heavy guitar riffs. Para quem gosta de um Blues Rock old school e Southern Rock, é um "Revival Rock" álbum indicado. For those who like an old school Blues Rock, Southern Rock, is a "Rock Revival" album indicated.
"Revival Rock" topped the charts Southern Rock, Roots Rock at cdbaby.com and went straight into the Top Ten in global sales, but SweetKiss Momma is probably best known in Europe than in the U.S., thanks to its distribution agreements with several labels Europeans.
They are currently an independent band and self-funded, but looking for an American label and distribution agreement for the tour. - Souhern Rock Brasil (Brazil)

(translated vis Google Translate)


With the debut of "Rock Revival", Sweet Kiss Momma Americans, are confirmed as a good southern rock band which owes much to the history of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

However, with this production, the group can not become a clone-band, managing to avoid falling into banality by creating material that includes in addition to the southern parts of classic rock and other harder more influenced by the blues.

After the first two powerful song "Ready to Go" and "Son of the Mountain" we think "Slow Fade" to placate the waters, with his gentle but firm groove, then continue with a very different stamp, much more pressing and fast, where the rock rhythm of "Love Mercy" accompanied by tasty guitar solo parts of Aaron Arnold delineate perfectly the band's sound.

Jeff Hamel's voice, much like the singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd, establishes the beginning of another good song such as "Rocket Ride", followed by the melancholy ballad "Strange Fire", beautiful and profound.

By mid incisive albums can enjoy the "Sweet Little Thing", which contains another great guitar solo, followed by "Left Ounce Of Pride", sounding more settantiane; with "Sugar In The Raw", introduced by an insistent riff effected by the wah guitar, the sound becomes more intense and captivating.

One of the songs, in my opinion, better disk is also among the last positions of the tracklist with the intriguing and melodic "Good God Woman," stronger than a solid vocal line full of emotion and an engaging rhythm part, all you closes with "to Help a Man", intricacies of voice and keyboards, which soon joins the harmonica with his mouth, to keep until the end of a very intense tones.

In conclusion I consider this disc a great debut that definitely will fascinate fans of southern rock sound with its mix of powerful and melodic.

4/5 - Heavy-Metal.it (Italy)

(translated via Google Translate)

Fashion for the sound and style of the '70s great wave rolls on an increasing number of groups. Here's one more succumbed to this trends. Pastiche jewelry. Sounds, arrangements, construction of tracks, even the vocals seem to be transported from those times. There is in him some overtone, flavor of ancient times is not a fake rock. How to explain this phenomenon by the age of the good old days? But enough of these powerful electronic chips and the like to the pristine purity of primitive guitar riffs. The musical material is varied, but in these narrow stylistic pants, that just is not interesting. - Rock Guide (Russia)

The band SWEETKISS MOMMA are the torch bearers of that southern rock sound that was created by the likes of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS AND LYNYRD SKYNYRD. Yes, SWEETKISS MOMMA hails from the very state that is responsible for the grunge sound but these guys do southern rock better than most southern acts that I can think of. People may scratch their heads with regard to the geography of the band and the images that their sound may generate, but folks can be assured that the bands embrace of a rootsier, southern sound are completely genuine. “Revival Rock” is very good produced by Joe Reineke, who’s also playing guitar on the songs “Sweet Little Thing” and the ballad “Come Clean”. Besides fantastic rock songs, there are also some quieter moments on this album with songs like “Slow Fade”, “Strange Fire”, which is the longest track of the album, the just mentioned “Come Clean” and “To Help A Man”. Perfect songs, excellent musicians and Hamel is a fantastic singer. I don’t have any negative points to mention about this album. My favorite songs of this album are “Ready To Go”, “Son Of The Mountain”, “Mercy Love”, “Rocket Ride”, “Sweet Little Thing” and the beautiful “To Help A Man”. Excellent album of a fantastic band. - Rock Hanger (USA)

Southern Rock From Seattle? Sure, why not? SweetKiss Momma's authentically rural roots-rock is peppered with enough down-home thunderboogie to please even the hairiest/scariest Freebird fan. - Classic Rock Magazine (UK)

Washington's Sweetkiss Momma certainly picked an appropriate title for their album. The style they are reviving is southern rock with lots of spirit and plenty of thick grooves. Think early ZZ top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers but mixed in with some lighter doses of say Blue Cheer and Grand Funk Railroad. However this band isn't one of those total retro acts who try so hard to make every riff sound like it's 1973. No, they are true to their influences, but mix it with some more modern sounds as well. Quite honestly they frequently hit on a mix that brings the best of both worlds because they are not afraid to bring 70's southern fried rock into modern days. They definitely have a confidence that shows through and they are not afraid to take chances. The second half of the disc isn't quite as smooth as the first half as not every track down the stretch is quite as good as the first half. We get a few songs with some dull moments and some real lack of focus. For the most part this is definitely worth checking out and I can't wait to see where they go from here. - Metal Music Rules

An international internet radio sensation, and one of CD Baby's top selling bands since the release of their full length debut album Revival Rock, five
piece Roots Rock powerhouse SweetKiss Momma proves that explosive, high octane Southern-style rock-n-roll can come from anywhere—even the Pacific
Northwest.

While making the rounds of the club scene in Seattle/Tacoma, front man Jeff Hamel and his cohorts from Puyallup, are selling a surprising number of
records across Europe thanks to new distribution deals with Just For Kicks Music, Barchen Records, and Sonic Rendezvous, and are hoping to do the
same within North America. Revival Rock, hailed by GreatIndieMusic.com as "A Rootsy, Southern Soul-tinged, instant classic", is the follow-up to their
self-titled EP released in 2008. The album has reached #1 in sales on both the "Roots Rock" and "Southern Rock" charts via CD Baby.com, and at several
points, rose into the Top-10 on the overall sales chart (among the 250,000+ artists using CDBaby). The lyrically honest, musically raw, and wholly
organic 12-track musical juggernaut is cultivating a large and loyal following, easily endearing fans ranging from lovers of classic Southern rockers like
Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers, to those who enjoy the more modern, earthy sounds of bands such as The Black Crowes and Kings of Leon.
Songs from Revival Rock have been featured on terrestrial and internet radio stations ranging from alternative to country to classic rock. SweetKiss
Momma's "PopScore" via Jango.com has consistently been among the highest, and their music has been featured on the web incarnation of famed
Americana/Roots periodical No Depression.

As one fan posted on the band's CD Baby page: "This album feels like a great Saturday night out—good friends, a couple of shots of your favorite
Bourbon, a few too many ice cold beers, and the pending specter of questionable choices". Packing an authentic punch of rock, blues, and southern soul,
SweetKiss Momma—which also includes drummer Tyson Lickert, guitarists Aaron Arnold and Waid Hoyt, and bassist Randy Jackson—skillfully combine
the raucousness of that Saturday night with the sweet harmonies of a sunny Sunday morning—making their music feel both exhilaratingly fresh and
intimately familiar.

The effortless flow and crackling chemistry of the members of SweetKiss Momma comes from the bond that formed while these guys grew up playing in
their local church. They developed their impressive chops on the classic spirituals and gospel they played at the multiple weekly services, and from this
base, the four founding members (Hamel, Lickert, Arnold, Hoyt) began developing their blues rock vibe. After a decision to try their hand at some
original material, and months of woodshedding in Hamel's living room, they played their first local gig in 2008, and have since taken the stage at such
venerable Northwest venues as the Tractor Tavern, Jazzbones, The Showbox, El Corazon, and the Sunset Tavern, and traveled to Austin for a slew of
showcases during SXSW 2010. During this time, they have opened for such luminaries as Molly Hatchet, Jeff Cook (Alabama), The Supersuckers, and
Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Ventures.

Recorded at Seattle's Orbit Audio (famed for it's collection of vintage recording gear), Revival Rock was crafted solely using analog equipment, including
a Trident 80-B Series mixing console once owned by Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan. In fact, Duff's framed platinum record for GNR's classic "Use
Your Illusion" hung prominently overhead as the guys recorded and mixed. The artwork for the album, designed by renowned poster artist Adam
Turman, provides the package the same vintage feel as the music it holds.

Driven by a relentless, yet at times cool and sensual mix of blues-rock with gospel undertones, Revival Rock also highlights the band's exceptional
songwriting, which is driven by the delicate balance of Arnold's powerful riffs and Hamel's raw, honest lyricism. Among the most popular tracks so far
are the gritty, hard edged jam "Son of the Mountain," a strident observation about living in the overwhelmingly powerful shadow of Mount Rainier; the
rowdy, high energy plea to a prospective lover "Mercy Love"; and the leisurely, horn-tinged ode to lazy afternoons "Slow Fade". - Progressive Rock & Metal (Brazil)

Southern-style Revival Rock from the Pacific Northwest seems like a contradiction in terms, but the Sweetkiss Momma quintet displays plenty of soul and down-home appeal on this full length release.

After a high-powered anthem in “Ready to Go” and an upbeat, southern groove-rocker in “Son of the Mountain,” they slow things down with “Slow Fade.” The band deftly alternates between thick, syrupy southern jams such as “Rocket Ride” and slow spirituals like “Strange Fire.”

A wah-wah intro brings us into “Sugar in the Raw,” a funky, rocking tune with sparse verses punctuated by a heavy-hitting instrumental break and a solid chorus. The best of the ballads comes a bit later in “Good God Woman,” a catchy tune with a solid, funky backbeat and gospel-style backing vocals at its apex.

Of the twelve tunes on here, only a handful surpass the four-minute mark. Yet the band makes best use of its time, crafting catchy, memorable tunes without straying from their motif. Not surprised to see this atop the charts on CD Baby—this album's a winner. - To High To Get It Right (Canada)

SweetKiss Momma, out of Puyallup, WA (about 30 min. south of Seattle), is a band for the ages. Though they have been fittingly described as a "roots" or "southern" rock, those classifications fall short when you recognize the late-60's British invasion, 70's era jam band, and even early 80's metal that impressively seeps it's way into the "SKM" brew. Whether it be classic blues riffs, multi-part harmonies, funk-inspired breakdowns, or grandiose anthems, none are out of place in their dynamically capable hands. These guys obviously spent some time digesting their parent's record collections, and seem as though they would be right at home on a vinyl LP circa '74.
At the heart of their original material is a soulful bend that is completely genuine. These boys, who were raised on a steady diet of hymns and spirituals, skillfully combine aspects of this upbringing with the sunny-day vibe and playful bravado you would expect from a group just as concerned with rocking your socks off as any other article of clothing. Lyrically, "SKM" embraces such classic themes as; cheap love, costly loss, and afternoons spent wasting time, all with a slight wink to a naughty streak buried just under the surface.
If you have been longing to find others like you; lovers of honest music who still believe that Rock-n-Roll can help save the world, then let me introduce you to your new favorite band: SWEETKISS MOMMA. - Dirt Highway (USA)

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Puyallup is a small town at the foot of Mount Rainier, ten miles east of Tacoma and thirty-five miles south of Seattle, Wash., not far from the bordr with Canada. Were born here and live the five young musicians who make up the Sweetkiss Momma, nothing wrong if they played grunge or alternative rock ... but southern rock sound, or at least a Southern rock band deeply influenced by the seventies and the latest Black Crowes, with a hint of blues and a pinch of pop. Led by Jeff Hamel (excellent lead vocals, harmonica and guitar) and Aaron Arnold (lead guitar), the most important composers of the group that includes Waid Hoyt (guitar), Randy Jackson (bass) and Tyson Lickert (drums), the kids know each other by school days and started playing together, accompanying the religious services on Sundays. Then I switched to blues rock album after recording a debut EP, recorded in Seattle in the study Orbid Audio producer Joe Reineke, using only vintage analogue material.

So far they have played almost exclusively in their state (with an episode last year at the SXSW festival in Austin), but the disc has had strong sales on CD Baby and in Europe, where it was released in Germany and Scandinavia. It is no coincidence, because this is an album of great quality, in the knowledge of beating paths already known and widely practiced. The simplicity of the matrix is evident in the southern granite Son Of The Mountain (a homage to the stately Mount Rainier), in which the voice of Hamel recalls the great Ronnie Van Zant and the hard sound is closer to Molly Hatchet, the powerful boogie Mercy Love that is developed with a surprising break strongly influenced by the Allman Brothers Blue Sky and Jessica, in the mid-tempo Rocket Ride and the beautiful ballad "Strange Fire, an intense and melancholy at the right point. The opener Ready To Go is a psychedelic rock closer to the Screaming Cheetah Wheelies Crowes or, as the blues rock of Sweet Little Thing, while the tough Ounce Of Pride Left smells of the seventies with the lilting Sugar In The Raw, with the voice that filtered back to Peter Frampton or the James Gang.

Do not miss moments that contribute more difficult to categorize the variety of the album: the relaxed ballad "Come Clean, well-built and decorated with a guitar break at the right point, the relaxed and melodic pop of Slow Fade with Motown-style horns (and a melody its original) and the closing To Help A Man, a fine blues harmonica and a growing evidence led by the three guitars. Rock Revival is a perfect title for this album, if you look for novelty at all costs to move on, but if you want to hear a solid rock record Sweetkiss Momma's do not forget. - Roots Highway (Italy)

How can you not be intrigued by a band whose guitar player has a license plate for the body of his guitar? Not that he uses it all the time… but still. Sweetkiss Momma is a great complement band for Astrovan, seeing how they are a blues rock band as well. They have fantastic guitar riffs and harmonies with a little trumpet thrown in. Sweetkiss Momma truly has a Southern soul to their music. - SSGMusic.com (USA)

Sweetkiss Momma, a five-piece rock n roll band, hails from the Pacific Northwest, (most of the band grew up in the churches of Pullayup, WA) but their sound is straight blues based southern rock. With a regrettable moniker recalling the comical jam band names of the late 90s, Sweet Kiss is nonetheless a barnstorming sensation according to their press release, selling records across Europe and garnering huge sale numbers on independent music distribution website CD Baby.

Revival Rock, is their follow up to a self-titled EP from 2008, and its sound is particularly bland. There is emotion behind the musical performances, it punches with some grit and power at times but the song writing lacks anything notable to separate it from a million songs penned by the bearded and love spurned whiskey drinkers of yesteryear. While rocking Saturday nights and regret filled Sunday mornings are an enduring, joyous, and humbling human experience, the band simply plays things too close to the vest to make an impression. Good ‘ole rock n’ roll can be simultaneously majestic and heartbreaking but Revival Rock only occasionally sniffs that revered place where simplicity and a direct connection with the blues and power rock channels sweet salvation. Moments of “Come Clean” and album closer “To Help a Man” have their bright spots; a little tasteful harmonica flourish here and a sweetly sung chorus there, but too much of Revival Rock is crunchy power chords that often sounds like the odd lovechild of Stone Temple Pilots and Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Strange Fire” is the album highlight with its power ballad heart and escapist fantasy lyrics that have nonetheless been written a time or two before. “Slow Fade”, apes the melody from Joe South’s country soul classic “Games People Play” so thoroughly the band should offer some royalties. Unfortunately it’s probably the most memorable melody on the album.

The musicianship on Revival Rock is professional and tight and production quality is high. No doubt there is an audience for Sweet Kiss Momma’s brand of rootsy, gut punching rock n’ roll and surely the band has provided many fun Saturday nights full of bourbon and too many beers but without originality its tough to get excited about this release. Ho-hum. - Switch Yard

On their debut mix Momma Sweet Kiss, a five-piece roots rock band from Puyallup, a small town a half hour drive away from Seattle, Southern rock, jamband elements and slow ballads in a balanced way into a strong whole. Singer / guitarist and harmonica player Chris Hamel has a voice that the bite of Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zandt combines the rough emotion of Gregg Allman's voice, while in their music and the songs that the band brings influences of both groups regularly emerge.




The title of the CD "Revival Rock" is already declared, Sweet Kiss Momma's sound recalls indeed rock bands of the past, both the pure Southern rock bands like the more popgerichte groups from the seventies such as Creedence have clearly their traces. By blending these elements is Sweet Kiss Momma to a private, modern rock sound, but there are significant nostalgic.




With less than three singer-guitarists, because besides lead singer Jeff Hamel also provide guitarists Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold as vocals, the band has a rich sound powerrock. The rhythm section of Randy Jackson on bass and drummer Tyson LICKERT provide an equally sound basis. The sound seems clearly to save because the CD Baby top lists are the men already in the department on a Roots-rock and a fine second place in the Southern-rock related list. In America .. indie group and that if we should add, because they spend their own CD out. Sweet Kiss Momma stores in Europe even better, because here they are insured for distribution by various European labels, Sonic Rendezvous with us so as to provide exposure here the reactions are extremely positive.




So you see that music is not always regionally and that Seattle grunge bands are not always able to ... no, these guys sound just as southern as their predecessors from Alabama, Georgia or Texas. Convince yourself, especially if you're ever longing for the bluesy rock sounds from the heyday of Southern rock. Songs like the strong "Come Clean" to do that day in all its glory revived. - Rootstime (Belgium)

Long gone are the times when superb, soulfull Southern Rock couldn't be found anywhere but in the southern states. Well that's changed, boys 'n gals! North Americas best Southern Rock posse hail from the north, Puyallup, Washington to be exact.

With a catching name like SweetKiss Momma, this five piece have released a modern rock classic. Where many contemporary Southern Rock bands tend to mix their music with other styles, like country & western or Pantera-clone metal, SweetKiss Momma really bring the rock. Enhanced by some of the best vocals I've heard within the genre, there's not one single weak song on fittingly named ''Revival Rock''.

Hell...this sounds like a best-of album and not as a debut. Twelve songs about all the classic themes, influenced by all the heroes that made this style of rock the ultimate feel-good-trip! - Planet Fuzz (USA)

So, let's get to it. This week Bobble Tiki caught up with SweetKiss Momma, a band that's been gaining steady local ground over the last year or more (thanks in small part to Volcano editor Matt Driscoll's total man crush on the group). Rooted in the ethos of "Southern Rock," and passionate enough about it to not come off like total tools from Puyallup just trying to get laid by chicks who love Skynyrd (goes a long way in P-Town, Bobble Tiki imagines), SweetKiss is a band seemingly defying the odds at the moment - gaining a following and going places on the back of the tunes, not the Internet hype, neon or hashtags.

There's plenty going on with the SweetKiss boys, including new members and new shows, so Bobble Tiki might as well let lead singer Jeff Hamel tell you all about it ...

BOBBLE TIKI: You guys have a gig coming up Saturday at Stonegate Pizza. Coincidentally, the Volcano's Tournament of Pizza is currently going on (shameless plug). Have you guys voted? Being Puyallup types, any thoughts on P-Town's best pie?

JEFF HAMEL: I haven't been voting, but my wife, Kim, has been doing so religiously (and is not-so-secretly pulling for Oldschool in Oly). I love all pizzas equally, so for me it would be like trying to judge the Miss America Pageant: Which perfect 10 is most perfectly 10?

As for P-town, I see Trackside on the list. They do make a good pie, but they put the toppings on top of the cheese so everything falls off ... this might take them down a notch in my book. We have a Casa Mia downtown as well. They rate pretty high for me just on strength of sauce.

Honestly, though, the best pizza every to grace Puyallup proper came from Pietro's Pizza. They have been gone for quite a while, but longtime South-Hillians will remember it. The closest one now is in Salem ,Oregon, a location that somehow magically appears on the itinerary of any road trip my wife plans.

TIKI: The show at Stonegate is with a band called "Astrovan." Now, Bobble Tiki may have lived in a Chevy Astro Van down by the river for a couple months after his second divorce, but he's never seen the band "Astrovan." Apparently you guys are friendly. What can fans of SweetKiss Momma expect from this "Astrovan"?

HAMEL: Tattooed-sweaty-bearded-throwback-riffrock. They have an incredible singer who goes by the name "Deezer," their lead guitarist, "Sam Damage," plays in Lauryn Hill's touring band (yes, that Lauryn Hill), and they sound like Appetite for Destruction-era Guns N' Roses, but with better vocals and a heavier blues influence.

For our friends further south: SKM and Astrovan will be at The 4th Ave. Tavern in Olympia on April 16th.

TIKI: If Bobble Tiki knows SweetKiss Momma, he knows you guys are busy as hell (as always). The last time the Volcano checked in you were gearing up for the Hard Rock Battle of the Bands in Seattle. As Bobble Tiki sees you've got another show coming up at Seattle's Hard Rock in late May, Bobble Tiki also assumes you've done well for yourself at that venue. What's new since the last time you chatted with this deplorable rag?

HAMEL: The "Battle of the Bands" was a great experience. We made some new friends, and apparently made a good enough impression on the folks at the Hard Rock for them to invite us back. May 21st we'll be playing with our buddies Perry Acker, who -- for those that aren't familiar -- just won the Ford Motor Co. sponsored national "Gimme The Gig" contest. They are currently recording with Don Was (yes, that Don Was) as part of their prize package for winning.

As for what's new in SweetKiss Momma-land, we recently lost our longtime drummer, Tyson, and had been borrowing Jake from Big Wheel Stunt Show to play bass for us since December - so we hit the reset button and brought on a new rhythm section, made up of a couple of guys that have been longtime friends of the band and fixtures around the scene; Dave Ashworth on bass, and Pax Allen on drums. There is definitely a heavier overall groove now in the SKM sound. We've got some pretty cool stuff coming up, including spreading the SweetKiss Momma gospel with some Eastern Washington, Oregon, and Bellingham shows, and a piece in Classic Rock magazine (I know, right...Classic Rock???) in, I think, the May issue. - Weekly Volcano

So, let's get to it. This week Bobble Tiki caught up with SweetKiss Momma, a band that's been gaining steady local ground over the last year or more (thanks in small part to Volcano editor Matt Driscoll's total man crush on the group). Rooted in the ethos of "Southern Rock," and passionate enough about it to not come off like total tools from Puyallup just trying to get laid by chicks who love Skynyrd (goes a long way in P-Town, Bobble Tiki imagines), SweetKiss is a band seemingly defying the odds at the moment - gaining a following and going places on the back of the tunes, not the Internet hype, neon or hashtags.

There's plenty going on with the SweetKiss boys, including new members and new shows, so Bobble Tiki might as well let lead singer Jeff Hamel tell you all about it ...

BOBBLE TIKI: You guys have a gig coming up Saturday at Stonegate Pizza. Coincidentally, the Volcano's Tournament of Pizza is currently going on (shameless plug). Have you guys voted? Being Puyallup types, any thoughts on P-Town's best pie?

JEFF HAMEL: I haven't been voting, but my wife, Kim, has been doing so religiously (and is not-so-secretly pulling for Oldschool in Oly). I love all pizzas equally, so for me it would be like trying to judge the Miss America Pageant: Which perfect 10 is most perfectly 10?

As for P-town, I see Trackside on the list. They do make a good pie, but they put the toppings on top of the cheese so everything falls off ... this might take them down a notch in my book. We have a Casa Mia downtown as well. They rate pretty high for me just on strength of sauce.

Honestly, though, the best pizza every to grace Puyallup proper came from Pietro's Pizza. They have been gone for quite a while, but longtime South-Hillians will remember it. The closest one now is in Salem ,Oregon, a location that somehow magically appears on the itinerary of any road trip my wife plans.

TIKI: The show at Stonegate is with a band called "Astrovan." Now, Bobble Tiki may have lived in a Chevy Astro Van down by the river for a couple months after his second divorce, but he's never seen the band "Astrovan." Apparently you guys are friendly. What can fans of SweetKiss Momma expect from this "Astrovan"?

HAMEL: Tattooed-sweaty-bearded-throwback-riffrock. They have an incredible singer who goes by the name "Deezer," their lead guitarist, "Sam Damage," plays in Lauryn Hill's touring band (yes, that Lauryn Hill), and they sound like Appetite for Destruction-era Guns N' Roses, but with better vocals and a heavier blues influence.

For our friends further south: SKM and Astrovan will be at The 4th Ave. Tavern in Olympia on April 16th.

TIKI: If Bobble Tiki knows SweetKiss Momma, he knows you guys are busy as hell (as always). The last time the Volcano checked in you were gearing up for the Hard Rock Battle of the Bands in Seattle. As Bobble Tiki sees you've got another show coming up at Seattle's Hard Rock in late May, Bobble Tiki also assumes you've done well for yourself at that venue. What's new since the last time you chatted with this deplorable rag?

HAMEL: The "Battle of the Bands" was a great experience. We made some new friends, and apparently made a good enough impression on the folks at the Hard Rock for them to invite us back. May 21st we'll be playing with our buddies Perry Acker, who -- for those that aren't familiar -- just won the Ford Motor Co. sponsored national "Gimme The Gig" contest. They are currently recording with Don Was (yes, that Don Was) as part of their prize package for winning.

As for what's new in SweetKiss Momma-land, we recently lost our longtime drummer, Tyson, and had been borrowing Jake from Big Wheel Stunt Show to play bass for us since December - so we hit the reset button and brought on a new rhythm section, made up of a couple of guys that have been longtime friends of the band and fixtures around the scene; Dave Ashworth on bass, and Pax Allen on drums. There is definitely a heavier overall groove now in the SKM sound. We've got some pretty cool stuff coming up, including spreading the SweetKiss Momma gospel with some Eastern Washington, Oregon, and Bellingham shows, and a piece in Classic Rock magazine (I know, right...Classic Rock???) in, I think, the May issue. - Weekly Volcano

I know I am a bit late getting to this one as it seems like everyone and their mother has reviewed it already. I'll get straight to the point. This is a tremendous rock band and their latest release "Revival Rock" is a tremendous rock record. It is interesting that this band hails from Washington State as their organic rootsy blues sound is very "southern". As interestingly stated on their Facebook page, "high-octane, Southern-style rock-n-roll can come from anywhere, even the Pacific Northwest". The songs are very spiritual and filled with gospel harmonies, a bit of funk and a whole lot of soul. So, if you have been searching for that ever elusive great rock record, then you have found your gem. Highly recommended! - Heavy Planet (USA)

(translated via Google Translate)

In last months I have received a few CD’s of groups with southern feel and southern rock approaches, and it’s a real pleasure every new discovering of relativelly still unknown acts, whose style communicate with mentioned genre.

SKM are Washington state based band, they works in quintet formation, and few month before, they have discographically debuted with “Revival Rock” album. A group has introduced themselves with 12 tracks , done in southern rock/blues rock style. Their approach is fresh, also convinceble, and even of associations of album title, their musical views are done according to standards of our time.A songs posses an equalizing qualities, most of them are done in mid to mid-up tempo, and also exists faster up songs, as same as some half-ballads as well.

Musically SKM satisfies, and their approach could be interesting equally for older and newer southern rock followers. - Time Machine Music Magazine (Serbia)

Sweetlkiss Momma’s Revival Rock inserts new blood into a classic genre.

The up-to-date interpretation of the spiritual South’s laid-back swagger is authentic without sounding dated; as the combined charisma of its purveyors is refined and rarely rehashed – be it the craftsmanship of the Allman Brothers Band, or the by-the-grace-of-God storytelling of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Revival Rock also shows that traditional blues-rock still has widespread appeal almost 40 years on since its inception. The gritty, minimalist stomp of ‘Ready To Go’ is standard Southern rock for the masses, while the upbeat bar-boogie of ‘Mercy Lane’ is a highlight, as is the warm slow drawl of ‘Come Clean’.

So aptly named is this release that the Washington quintet lay it all on the line from the outset – “you’re either going to love us or hate us” – but either way, the sense of Southern identity will remain. - Chybucca Sounds (USA)

I don’t profess to be an expert on the current state of the Seattle music scene, but I would guess it’s at least a little angry and a lot raw. Surprisingly (at least to me), the Pacific North West has managed to foster and develop SweetKiss Momma, a straight ahead Southern style blues-rock band in the vein of 70’s acts like Lynard Skynard, Foghat and Nugent.

In fact, any of the tunes off of SweetKiss Momma’s most recent release, Revival Rock, could easily slide into any spot on the "Dazed and Confused" soundtrack. As another reviewer aptly observed; "this album feels like a great Saturday night out - good friends, a couple of shots of your favorite Bourbon, a few too many ice cold beers, and the pending specter of questionable choices."

Despite the title, this isn’t a raw album, rather it has a focused and refined sound that remains consistent front to back. The band’s songwriting and musicianship keep them on track, and as a result they create catchy blues-rock tunes that will make you move. As the lyrics from the opening track, "Ready to Go", instruct, "You(‘ll) spell my name in cursive with your hips out on the dance floor."

Revival Rock is a good album. SweetKiss Momma won’t appeal to everyone, as they have a pretty niche sound, but if you can appreciate good song writing, fun tunes and a traditional rock sound you’ll like what they have to offer. Make sure to check out the first three tracks, as they’re standouts; "Ready to Go", "Son of the Mountain" and "Slow Fade." - PureGrainAudio.com (Canada)

Dirty south stoner rock. I could end the review right there and be satisfied with the ending result, cuz that's all you need to know. What? You want more? Damn the things I do for you people...

Ok, SweetKiss Momma, another band submission I've been putting off (but this one isn't so bad, it's only been a week or so), and yet another one I wish I hadn't. Their style of modern classic southern rock - with both jamming rock songs, and mellow and soulful ballads - really is something that you don't hear every day, especially this well. Revival Rock, their debut release, has been making waves around the world, hitting the Top 10 of CD Baby's overall sales chart a few times within the past year (with the 250,000+ artist on there, that's quite an accomplishment), and I believe it should be at number one at least once!

The problem with someone such as I reviewing an album like this, one strongly in the 'southern' aspect - especially one that plays 'revival rock' - is that I don't listen to much that follows suit. Anything that I try to compare SweetKiss Momma to is going to be obvious and not that well fitting. I don't have the experience of the hundreds of artists and styles to draw from like I do with stoner, or more straight-forward metal. So keep that in mind.
What immediately comes to mind, once I start Revival Rock, is Black Stone Cherry. They are another modern southern rock band that gets hemmed into the stoner category because it's the easiest fit. While SweetKiss Momma is a little more chill then Black Stone Cherry, it's the strongest comparison to anything modern that I can make. Going further back, the relationships to The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd are blatant (again I'm sure there is a better band out there but I don't know it). I also detect a hint of Ted Nugent, the blending of hard rock and southern is what does it I think. Anyway, that is what I pick up from SweetKiss Momma. It's not a great fit, nor list of comparisons, but it's the best I can do.

With songs ranging from rock to blues, all with strong southern overtones, SweetKiss Momma put out some killer music. Revival Rock is just that, a reminder of the golden era of rock 'n roll, something that any fan of 70s classic rock can appreciate. I know this album just came out, but I'm chomping at the bit for more already! Seriously, go pick this one up. - The Klepto's Guide To Awesome Music (USA)

From Washington come Southern rockers SWEETKISS MOMMA. If you like a mix of Foghat, The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Molly Hatchet them you will love the bands new CD ‘Revival Rock’. The band are Jeff Hamel - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica, Aaron Arnold - Lead Guitar, Vocals, Waid Hoyt - Guitar, Vocals, Randy Jackson - Bass - and Tyson Lickert - Drums. I caught up with front man Jeff Hamel to find out more, and whilst you reading this have a listen to the smooth and utterly superb track ‘Come Clean’ on the Fireworks CD sampler.
Jeff grew up in a small town south of Seattle. “If you played an instrument, being in the band at the local church was just something that was a part of what you did,” he recalls. “Waid, Ty, Aaron, and I played together in that setting for quite a few years before we decided that we wanted to do some original songs, with a decidedly different feel and subject matter than the Hymns and spirituals that we had been playing. Luckily, folks have been really receptive to what we are doing, and we have just steadily progressed to the point now where we get emails and posts from people all over the world who are in to our music. Which to us (a completely independent band, from a small town in the upper NW corner of the USA) it’s pretty amazing,” he says with pride.
SweetKiss Momma are a group of working class guys, who are ardent supporters of facial hair, and really prefer the more raw sounds of Rock-n-Roll as it used to be. As individuals, they are pretty laid back, and genuinely enjoy life, and that shows in their music when you listen.
‘Revival Rock’ was recorded at Orbit Audio in Seattle. “It’s located next to a homeless shelter, thus providing a particular scent and ambience to the recording process,” says Jeff. The CD was produced by Joe Reineke. “He owns Orbit Audio and is an all-around great guy! He has a great ear, and an incredible amount of vintage analogue gear, and with our desire to capture the sound and feel of the records we love, working with him was an easy choice.”
The mad also shot a mini documentary that you can locate on their sites and youtube. “The thought behind the mini-doc was to give people a chance to get to know us outside of the music, kind of a ‘this is who we are and where were coming from’. Chris York from Village House Films (a childhood friend of drummer Tyson) filmed us off-and-on over the course of about 5 months or so, and did an incredible job of putting it all together. Thankfully, he edited out the love scenes,” laughs Jeff.
For 2011 the band are constantly writing. “You’ll see some new stuff come out in one form or another. We’ll be hitting the road a bit, and Aaron (lead guitarist) just set up a gin still in his garage, sp there will be a little bit of that.”
Check out the band at www.skmband.com and www.myspace.com/sweetkissmomma and search for their promo film on youtube. - Fireworks Magazine (UK)

SweetKiss Momma never intended to be a “southern rock band,” or to receive international attention for their work.

They didn’t necessarily even plan on making a record, let alone selling more than 1,000 copies in the last year.

They formed the band, named after flavored lip-gloss wearing ladies (specifically, front man Jeff Hamel’s wife) as an extracurricular project to their long-time participation in their church band – Celebration Center in Puyallup – where the core members of the band had played together for years.

Creating their own band was just their way of being creative, and a chance for them to play original songs.

After a period of playing their tunes in the privacy of their Puyallup practice room, they decided to play a show.

Next came their record, “Revival Rock,” last spring.

Then more shows.

Over the past year, SweetKiss Momma has gained a loyal and excited following in the South Puget Sound for their blues-tinged, classic rock sound and high-energy live shows.

They have even been written up in USA Today, the local press, and music rags in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.

Recently, “Revival Rock” has been hovering around the No. 1 spot on CDBaby.com in the “best of,” “southern rock” and “roots rock” categories.

Their music has even been accepted for rotation on the Internet radio station – Pandora.

“I’ll retire when I get a Guitar Hero character,” joked Aaron Arnold, lead guitarist for the band, which includes founding members Hamel, rhythm guitarist Wade Hoyt and new additions Dave Ashworth on bass and Pax Allen on drums.

On Friday, SweetKiss Momma will have yet another claim to fame – one that has the potential to carry them overseas for a show accessible to all their Euro-fans.

SweetKiss Momma has been invited to participate in Hard Rock Café Seattle’s battle of the band competition, which includes 15 bands that the local Hard Rock deemed the best representatives of Seattle music for the international competition.

SweetKiss Momma and A Leaf (which also has roots in Puyallup’s Celebration Center) will be the only Tacoma bands on the bill.

The top performer of the Seattle battle series will head to New York to hash out who is the top in the nation. Following that, national winners will finish up the final session in London – to determine the top performer out of the Hard Rock Café cities worldwide.

“I just think ‘what if we actually won that?” said Hoyt, noting the recent success of friends and Gig Harbor based band, Perry Acker, who won the national Ford Motors music competition Feb. 17. “You just never know. We’re just a band from Puyallup…so to be a part of that is just really cool.”

While all this attention has left the modest and laid-back members of SweetKiss Momma dumbfounded at times, the band agrees their intention of creating music has not faltered from their original goal to be happy and make other people happy.

“I don’t want to be the trendy hot-pick of the week,” Hamel said. “I want to be the kind of band that someone says ‘When I get home – I put SweetKiss Momma on and chill out and have a beer on my back porch.’ That’s what we aspire to be.”

And what about the unintentional “southern rock” label for a tried-and true Northwest band?

“We didn’t think we were going for ‘southern rock’ but after 20 years of playing church and gospel music, it kind of bleeds into what we do,” Hamel said.

Ashworth, who joined the band along with Allen last month, got to know SweetKiss Momma previously through his job as a sound tech at local rock bar, The Stonegate.

“It’s music that speaks to multiple generations. It’s our parents’ record collection that we dug through as kids. Our mothers are out there rocking out as much as everyone else,” Ashworth said of SweetKiss Momma’s sound, which has been dubbed as “unique” for the time and the region.

“The positive energy they bring to the show – it’s something that gets the crowd going. People really want to get up and dance. The first time I saw them I was blown away, because there’s really not a lot of that going on. These guys come out, and it’s a party.”

And that positive, crowd moving energy is exactly what SweetKiss Momma intended from the start – if nothing else. The band can smile knowing they’ve achieved their mission in music making thus far.

“I would love to say ‘we’re that good,’ but really, we have just been blessed,” Hamel said. “Let’s just take this as far as it can go. Let’s make as many friends as possible and let’s treat people right. The goal is just to enjoy what we’re doing and enjoy the people.”

Three chances to see SweetKiss Momma this weekend – support them and fellow Tacoma band A Leaf at the Seattle Hard Rock Café battle of the bands at 8 p.m. Feb. 25; at Doyle’s Public House in Tacoma at 9 p.m. on Feb. 26, and on Sunday, Feb. 27 at the Hub Event Space with Perry Acker and Christopher Day at 4 p.m., all ages.

Find our more about SweetKiss Momma a - Tacoma Weekly (USA)

Oklahoma sits firmly in the Midwest. It is often stereotyped as a hick state, but the culture here is not a Southern one. We belong to prairies, not swampland. I hear a lot more Toby Keith than Lynyrd Skynyrd in public.

But even though I’m not as familiar with Southern rock as some others may be, I can tell you when a band cranks out good, crunchy Skynyrd-inspired tunes. And Sweetkiss Momma does just that on Revival Rock.

With their uber-Southern name and gritty sound, I was surprised to find that they hail from the Pacific Northwest. Only on second listen to the grungy undertones of the sound shine through. The first time, all you’re gonna hear is the infectious melodies, drawl, organ and Southern-fried guitar licks. They’re all over the place, so it’s hard to miss ‘em. The radio-friendly pop of “Slow Fade” recalls Zac Brown Band, while “Strange Fire” is draws comparisons to the slow bit of ”Free Bird.”

But the majority of the tunes here are rifftastic rockers, with vocals sneering and dictating over iconic Southern rock idioms. If you like Southern rock, you’ll be all over Sweetkiss Momma’s Revival Rock. It’s even worth a glance if you’re interested in the genre; it’s a solid record through and through. - Independent Clauses (USA)

(translated via Google Translate)

The least you can say about the title of this record is that he is very much in place. Regards from Puyallup, WA, a small town in a half hour drive south of Seattle, active boys of sweet kiss Momma on "Rock Revival" market, so would a mid-seventies LP appeared to tribes. Singer Jeff Hamel, Tyson LICKERT drummer, guitarists Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold and bassist Randy Jackson at the debut show clearly influenced by classic rock acts such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, Black Crowes and more recently too. "Rock Revival" moans over large parts have been under fiery guitar work, along with a string of violence leading to Arnold. That appears to be responsible for so many a killer riff here. The textual and melodic aspect of most of the songs are borne by lead singer Hamel. Which attracts all go very well with his vocal performance. He reminds you of so many a great rock voice from the seventies. And like many of those gentlemen, he also combines rock and blues here a healthy dose of Southern soul. Sometimes nice funky twisting in the air, then pitched on classic blues direction and sultry soul. Overall, however, especially violent rocking and leaving you with a plate, which you like the car window this summer to omloog will leave to make the most of anyone in your neighborhood to enjoy. 3.5/5 Stars - Ctrl. Alt. Country (Belgium)

A very appropriately titled album, given the overall vibe of the music and the fact that for their debut SweetKiss Momma have opted to record entirely on analog. Their sound is American Southern roots, soul-fueled and so laid back at times as to be completely horizontal. ‘Slow Fade’ is mellow, a lazy rhythm instantly summoning images of a sunny afternoon with nothing in particular to do. There’s a bit of a spiritual theme to some of the tracks - ‘To Help a Man’ is a cry of despair, looking for a deity to ease pain, while “Son of the Mountain”, one of the strongest of the twelve, is a search for freedom of the wild. Then again, there is the frustrated lust of ‘Mercy Love’ as well as the slightly disturbing obsession over a much younger woman in the light-hearted and playful sounding ‘Sweet Little Thing’. SweetKiss Momma have a classic sounding, timeless album making a great listen.

5/5 - Black Velvet Magazine (UK)

It's a fantastic slab of warm, sticky, high voltage Southern Rock. A sound between Molly Hatchet, Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Brought Low...
Great vocals, slingin guitars, melodies that taste like whiskey on a porch on a sunday evening, its great stuff. - Sludge Swamp (USA)

WOW! That was my first impression of this album when I first listened to it. I didn’t think that anyone could ever capture the feel and sound of 1970's southern classic rock. First The Brought Low proved me wrong and here I am again getting corrected by Sweetkiss Momma.
If southern classic rock band’s like The Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet and the great Lynyrd Skynyrd are your thing, go and add Sweetkiss Momma to your list. Everything about this band reeks of the mentioned bands. They’re a five piece from Washington state, an unlikely place for this style of music but location isn’t important, it’s the music that is.
This is the same type of music that our dads and uncles used to sit around and get high to long before we were around. The album’s name is Revival Rock and that’s exactly what it is, an autobiography of the style. The entire album is radio friendly from tracks like “Come Clean” or “Mercy Love.” They even have their take on Skynyrd’s “Tuesday’s Gone” with “Strange Fire”. Each song has its own distinct style of catchy riffs, tight drums and harmonic lyrics and it all starts with the first track “Ready to Go”, into “Son Of The Mountain” and all the way through to “To Help A Man”.

Honestly, this album could rival any Skynyrd album and hold its own. Anyone into southern rock, classic rock or fans of Stone Axe, Stone Mask, Sasquatch, The Brought Low, Stevie Ray Vaughn or any mentioned above, cannot be without this album. It’s a welcome addition to any collection and has plenty of repeat and staying power on any play list, including mainstream classic rock radio stations. - The Soda Shop (USA)

Mountain meets Grand Funk in a duel to the death. What, you were expecting a dissertation on the unrest in the middle east? This album is heavy (heavy, man!) in the middle and pretty damned sweet in the hooks. If you want subtlety, try AC/DC. Just turn it up, baby.
- Aiding and Abetting (USA)

While making the rounds of the club scene in Seattle/Tacoma, front man Jeff Hamel and his cohorts from Puyallup, are selling a surprising number of records across Europe thanks to new distribution deals with Just For Kicks Music, Barchen Records, and Sonic Rendezvous, and are hoping to do the same within North America. Revival Rock, hailed by GreatIndieMusic.com as “A Rootsy, Southern Soul-tinged, instant classic”, is the follow-up to their self-titled EP released in 2008. The album has reached #1 in sales on both the “Roots Rock” and “Southern Rock” charts via CD Baby.com, and at several points, rose into the Top-10 on the overall sales chart (among the 250,000+ artists using CDBaby). The lyrically honest, musically raw, and wholly organic 12-track musical juggernaut is cultivating a large and loyal following, easily endearing fans ranging from lovers of classic Southern rockers like Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers, to those who enjoy the more modern, earthy sounds of bands such as The Black Crowes and Kings of Leon.
Songs from Revival Rock have been featured on terrestrial and internet radio stations ranging from alternative to country to classic rock. SweetKiss Momma’s “PopScore” via Jango.com has consistently been among the highest, and their music has been featured on the web incarnation of famed Americana/Roots periodical No Depression.
As one fan posted on the band’s CD Baby page: “This album feels like a great Saturday night out—good friends, a couple of shots of your favorite Bourbon, a few too many ice cold beers, and the pending specter of questionable choices”. Packing an authentic punch of rock, blues, and southern soul, SweetKiss Momma—which also includes drummer Tyson Lickert, guitarists Aaron Arnold and Waid Hoyt, and bassist Randy Jackson—skillfully combine the raucousness of that Saturday night with the sweet harmonies of a sunny Sunday morning—making their music feel both hilaratingly fresh and intimately familiar.


The effortless flow and crackling chemistry of the members of SweetKiss Momma comes from the bond that formed while these guys grew up playing in their local church. They developed their impressive chops on the classic spirituals and gospel they played at the multiple weekly services, and from this base, the four founding members (Hamel, Lickert, Arnold, Hoyt) began developing their blues rock vibe. After a decision to try their hand at some original material, and months of woodshedding in Hamel’s living room, they played their first local gig in 2008, and have since taken the stage at such venerable Northwest venues as the Tractor Tavern, Jazzbones, The Showbox, El Corazon, and the Sunset Tavern, and traveled to Austin for a slew of showcases during SXSW 2010. During this time, they have opened for such luminaries as Molly Hatchet, Jeff Cook (Alabama), The Supersuckers, and Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Ventures.


Recorded at Seattle’s Orbit Audio (famed for it’s collection of vintage recording gear), Revival Rock was crafted solely using analog equipment, including a Trident 80-B Series mixing console once owned by Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan. In fact, Duff’s framed platinum record for GNR’s classic “Use Your Illusion” hung prominently overhead as the guys recorded and mixed. The artwork for the album, designed by renowned poster artist Adam Turman, provides the package the same vintage feel as the music it holds.


Driven by a relentless, yet at times cool and sensual mix of blues-rock with gospel undertones, Revival Rock also highlights the band’s exceptional songwriting, which is driven by the delicate balance of Arnold’s powerful riffs and Hamel’s raw, honest lyricism. Among the most popular tracks so far are the gritty, hard edged jam “Son of the Mountain,” a strident observation about living in the overwhelmingly powerful shadow of Mount Rainier; the rowdy, high energy plea to a prospective lover “Mercy Love”; and the leisurely, horn-tinged ode to lazy afternoons “Slow Fade”. - El Farfulli (Spain)

AN UPDATE FROM P-TOWN'S FAVORITE SONS >>>

It's well established I have something of a "relationship" with the band SweetKiss Momma. It's a surprising one, in some regards. I don't have much Skynyrd in me, and Coors sometimes gives me heartburn. Still, I feel a connection to this hard working gang of throwbacks - a connection that probably stems from our humble Puyallup roots.

The band's singer, Jeff Hamel, keeps me fairly well up-to-date on SweetKiss Momma's progress. Earlier this week he emailed some exciting news for the band.

Hamel tells me the band was recently selected by The Hard Rock Café to be "one of the 15 bands representing the Seattle area for their 2011 ‘Ambassadors Of Rock" International Battle of the Bands."

Definitely pretty cool.

Also, Hamel tells me SweetKiss Momma's record, Revival Rock, has just been accepted for inclusion on Pandora. Though there's no SweetKiss Momma channel yet, Hamel jokingly points out these things take time.

SweetKiss Momma next plays Feb. 5 at Jazzbones. - Weekly Volcano's "Spew Blog" (USA)

At high points and very low half-cooked classic rock album.

As a state-recognized Classic / Southern / jam-rock lover, I enjoy every publication that squints in that direction. So too in the case of originating from the States troops SWEET KISS MOMMA, which celebrates her album "Rock Revival" their debut.

Starts the album with the well to the next point 'Ready To Go' quite promising, so the mood is then quickly to the basement, because none of the following numbers can really convince. The highway-rockers 'Love Mercy' is still quite reasonable and with 'Sweet Little Thing', 'Left Ounce Of Pride "and" Sugar In The Raw' (Wah Wah sounds cool) is then finally rocked slightly forward - now we are also almost through with the silver disc. These three above-average numbers are then also with the highlights on "Rival Rock ".
Certainly it's not the technical skill of the individual musicians. The problem is still very poor songwriting and here the men have to do intensive work on it. I am curious what will bring us the sequel, because if you fill the good efforts of the current work with cool ideas in terms of songwriting, should an increase be entirely possible.

Note: 5.5 / 10 - Powermetal.de (Germany)

SweetKiss Momma, five piece roots rock powerhouse, proves once and for all that Southern rock isn’t tight to any specific geographical location. Hailing from Puyallup, small town next to Seattle, they have managed to build international fan base in a very short time.

Beginning of SweetKiss Momma can be traced back to early 2000 when lead singer Jeff Hamel, drummer Tyson Lickert, and guitarists Waid Hoyt and Aaron Arnold where rockin’ their local church, playing classic spirituals and gospel multiple times a week at their services. First gig under the name SweetKiss Momma was performed in 2008 and soon after they released self-titled EP with three songs.

After playing live dates all over Northwest and consistently impressing audiences with their dynamic performances, that have raised comparisons ranging from such legends as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band to contemporary stars like The Black Crowes, SweetKiss Momma finally released their debut album Revival Rock, in May 2010. Written mostly by Jeff Hamel and Aaron Arnold, it features rich blend of late-60's British invasion, 70's era Southern rock with a hint of 80's metal.

Revival Rock topped the charts in cdbaby.com on roots- and southern rock categories and went straight to top ten in overall sales, but much like Judge Parker, SweetKiss Momma is probably better known in Europe than in USA, thanks to their distribution deals with several European root rock labels. They are currently independent and self-financed band, but on the lookout for American record company for distribution deal and touring support. - Pure Southern Rock (USA)

Southern rock that doesn’t come from the South – how good can that be? You’d be surprised…

From out of the Pacific Northwest (Puyallup, Wash. to be precise) comes SweetKiss Momma, and they deliver twelve tracks of intense old-school blues-based rock without apology on their debut CD Revival Rock. This quintet powers out thick guitar riffs and heavy grooves that hearken back to the glory days of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers and proves that the genre still has lots of life left in it. This album follows up their self-titled 2008 EP release.

Revival Rock is true to its name. SweetKiss Momma’s music brings back memories of simpler forms of music – the days before heavy keyboards and fancy overdubs and harmonizer effects. It truly is “roots rock” in every sense of the term. The music is warm and uncluttered, filled only with solid guitars, basic catchy hooks and good vocals. A good deal of the warmth comes from some fine engineering which manages to bring out many subtleties without sounding artificial or overdone – no studio trickery here – and it is very appropriate to the genre.
Led strongly by the voice of Jeff Hamel (who also contributes guitar and harmonica), SweetKiss Momma fires on all cylinders from the rowdy tone of “Ready To Go” to the laid back “Slow Fade”. Joining Hamel are fellow guitarists Aaron Arnold and Waid Hoyt – fine players all. Randy Jackson contributes some solid bass riffs and Tyson Lickert does a good job on the drums – making for a very capable rhythm section. Whether pounding out heavy riffs or laying back for a slower track, the members of SKM play well together and make the music flow – just as good blues rock should.

Musical highlights include the almost danceable groove to “Ready To Go,” the great lyrics and mellow tone of the quintessential lazy afternoon song “Slow Fade,” the hot guitar licks of “Mercy Love,” the smooth vocal lines of “Strange Fire,” and the musical bounce of “Ounce Left Of Pride” and “Sugar In Raw.”

At times the album plods a bit, but for the most part it keeps at a nice slow boil. Well-written, soulful songs about life, love and celebration make a pleasant change from the doom and gloom that seems to fill most modern rock. The band makes the point on their web site that the album was recorded on old analog equipment which more than likely accounts for exceptionally warm tone of the album – another nice change.

On the whole, Revival Rock is highly recommended for any old-school blues-rock or southern rock fan. It may not appeal to everyone but if you like thick and juicy riffs then this is the place to be. Not a perfect album, but a very good debut.

7.5/10 - Hardrock Haven (USA)

Southern rock that doesn’t come from the South – how good can that be? You’d be surprised…

From out of the Pacific Northwest (Puyallup, Wash. to be precise) comes SweetKiss Momma, and they deliver twelve tracks of intense old-school blues-based rock without apology on their debut CD Revival Rock. This quintet powers out thick guitar riffs and heavy grooves that hearken back to the glory days of Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers and proves that the genre still has lots of life left in it. This album follows up their self-titled 2008 EP release.

Revival Rock is true to its name. SweetKiss Momma’s music brings back memories of simpler forms of music – the days before heavy keyboards and fancy overdubs and harmonizer effects. It truly is “roots rock” in every sense of the term. The music is warm and uncluttered, filled only with solid guitars, basic catchy hooks and good vocals. A good deal of the warmth comes from some fine engineering which manages to bring out many subtleties without sounding artificial or overdone – no studio trickery here – and it is very appropriate to the genre.
Led strongly by the voice of Jeff Hamel (who also contributes guitar and harmonica), SweetKiss Momma fires on all cylinders from the rowdy tone of “Ready To Go” to the laid back “Slow Fade”. Joining Hamel are fellow guitarists Aaron Arnold and Waid Hoyt – fine players all. Randy Jackson contributes some solid bass riffs and Tyson Lickert does a good job on the drums – making for a very capable rhythm section. Whether pounding out heavy riffs or laying back for a slower track, the members of SKM play well together and make the music flow – just as good blues rock should.

Musical highlights include the almost danceable groove to “Ready To Go,” the great lyrics and mellow tone of the quintessential lazy afternoon song “Slow Fade,” the hot guitar licks of “Mercy Love,” the smooth vocal lines of “Strange Fire,” and the musical bounce of “Ounce Left Of Pride” and “Sugar In Raw.”

At times the album plods a bit, but for the most part it keeps at a nice slow boil. Well-written, soulful songs about life, love and celebration make a pleasant change from the doom and gloom that seems to fill most modern rock. The band makes the point on their web site that the album was recorded on old analog equipment which more than likely accounts for exceptionally warm tone of the album – another nice change.

On the whole, Revival Rock is highly recommended for any old-school blues-rock or southern rock fan. It may not appeal to everyone but if you like thick and juicy riffs then this is the place to be. Not a perfect album, but a very good debut.

7.5/10 - Hardrock Haven (USA)

SweetKiss Momma music raWks !
"With a southern rock twist from the northwest band SweetKiss Momma carries on the tradition of the Outlaws, Lynyrd Skynyrd's and other guitar armies, there is something here for that drive home tonight, crank it up"

Michael ONeill WBN Radio Hour - WBN Radio Hour (USA)

Anytime I mention a group outside of the hip hop arena then they must really have something good going on. For those that don’t know, I’m a hip hop and R&B head through and through but good music is something that speaks to the soul…SweetKiss Momma’s Revival Rock CD which has been top 10 in sales on indie music site CDBaby.com speaks volumes on not only making good music but just how good Northwest Rock & Roll is and how it continues to evolve. The front man for the band told me that on their trip to SXSW last year that some commented they sounded more like southern rock then the actual southern rockers.

Checkout: Revival Rock
Google em: SweetKiss Momma
CDBaby.com ßGet that disc titled “Revival Rock” - Q Dot's Megaphone (USA)

Anytime I mention a group outside of the hip hop arena then they must really have something good going on. For those that don’t know, I’m a hip hop and R&B head through and through but good music is something that speaks to the soul…SweetKiss Momma’s Revival Rock CD which has been top 10 in sales on indie music site CDBaby.com speaks volumes on not only making good music but just how good Northwest Rock & Roll is and how it continues to evolve. The front man for the band told me that on their trip to SXSW last year that some commented they sounded more like southern rock then the actual southern rockers.

Checkout: Revival Rock
Google em: SweetKiss Momma
CDBaby.com ßGet that disc titled “Revival Rock” - Q Dot's Megaphone (USA)

For some bands, playing in small taverns and sparsely-attended festivals while making virtually no money is acceptable.

SweetKiss Momma is not one of those bands.

Based out of Puyallup, the southern rock-roots quintet consisting of lead vocalist Jeff Hamel, his brother and bass guitarist Jeremy “Kams” Hamel, drummer Tyson Lickert and guitarists Aaron Arnold and Waid Hoyt performed its first live show in May 2008. The band members said while the past year has been mostly successful, the next year will largely determine how far they can go.

“There’s kind of a pre-established trajectory you take when you’re doing local stuff,” Jeff Hamel said. “You do the little bars, you start looking for some of the bigger bands, start supporting those guys. Ideally, if you’re going to be a big local band, eventually you’re going to open up for nationally-touring acts.”

The band cites a wide-ranging list of influences. As a child, Jeff Hamel was a fan of The Beach Boys but his parents rebuffed him when he asked to listen to The Beatles, saying their music was “too hard.” He eventually became a huge follower of Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

Jeremy Hamel prefers to go by Kams in honor of another four-letter bassist, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He’s a rock aficionado and goes online to “watch videos of old bands, successful bands and kind of pick up on different things that they do.”

Lickert, who didn’t start playing drums until he was 17, says Creedence Clearwater Revival was “my very first introduction into music that I could actually play,” though he has also gone through punk rock and metal phases.

Hoyt grew up playing “nerdy band music” as a symphonic trumpet player. He still breaks out his horn on occasion for SweetKiss Momma.

“I picked up the guitar when I was like 16, I think, and my dad was in a rock band when he was younger,” Hoyt said. “So I was given all his ridiculously nice equipment and now I have to kind of protect it and make it look good.”

Arnold’s influences include classic rock icons like Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. He picked up the guitar at 11 and jokes that he sticks with it because it’s a great way to meet women.

The band members all have full-time jobs outside of music, from selling computers, disk jockeying and installing pipes, so composing songs isn’t a quick-and-easy process. Jeremy Hamel said everyone writes their own parts and it typically takes three or four weeks before a tune really comes together. SweetKiss Momma rotates 13 original songs at its shows.

“Occasionally we’ll spit one out and it’ll just happen,” Lickert said. “But for the most part it’s quite a process.”

“We’re pretty determined to write songs that don’t sound like the other songs we have,” Arnold said. “It’s more than just chords and some simple drum parts and a bass line.”

The group has recorded a three-song demo disk and hopes to produce a full-length album as soon as possible. The demo highlights the band’s versatility: “Rockwell” is a short, rollicking ride reminiscent of The Black Crowes. The guitar riffs in “Like You Mean It” sound Hendrix-inspired. Jeff Hamel gets a chance to show off his soulful voice and harmonica in Blues Traveler-esque fashion on the CD’s ballad, “Is There a God (To Help A Man).”

The journey for SweetKiss Momma is still in its early footsteps but the group thinks the effort being putting forth could lead to bigger and better things. Tonight’s show at Jazzbones in Tacoma, where they’ll open for All Hail The Crown — a bigger name in the local music scene — is possibly their most important to date.

“When you’re opening for bigger bands you’re banking on their success,” Jeremy Hamel said, describing the process as being akin to business networking. “Ever since we’ve gone out into the public, we are putting in all this time and we want something back. I can’t speak for everybody else, but I think this would be a great living.”

“I think the end result is to, in one form or another, get paid to do it,” Arnold added.

Reach Reporter Neil Pierson at 253-841-2481 ext. 313 or by e-mail at neil.pierson@puyallupherald.com. - Pierce County Herald (USA)

The Prefunk: Sweet Kiss Momma and Flying Boots
By Matt Driscoll on February 19, 2010

BRING ON THE WEEKEND >>>
A funny thing happened to me last week shortly after publishing the weekly Prefunk. Really, I'm surprised it took so long.
To surmise, it was a comment, and it went something like this:
"What the f*** is this column all about?"
It's a good question, and one I've asked myself on more than one occasion.
The nuts and bolts of it are somewhat elementary: You're probably familiar with the age old tradition of "Prefunking" - or the act of priming your mind, body and soul for an exciting event, party, concert or whatever. Usually, Prefunking involves drinks before a show, beers before inner-tubing, or a heater in my back yard before stepping inside to write drivel like "Prefunk."
Anyway, the idea of this column goes from there. Every Friday I choose two events happening this weekend, and then suggest unique and typically chemically dependent ways to prime yourself for them. That's all there is to it.
Oh, and I typically attach pictures of dogs drinking beers - because I'm strange, and the Internet is strangely full of them.
Now, there are bigger questions within: "What the f*** is this column all about?" Like, for instance, why I'd want to attach my name to something like recommending people take whip-its before seeing Kry at The Swiss.
Those are questions for another day.
Until then, you're weekly Prefunk.


SATURDAY, FEB. 20
Sweet Kiss Momma at The Silo in Sumner

The Silo in Sumner is the same fine establishment that brought us "The Sexiest Bra" competition. On Saturday the bar ups the ante by bringing back OG Puyallup band Sweet Kiss Mama - and the Southern Fried P-Town valley rock should fit right in. If you've got enough gas in the old pickup, Saturday night just might be right for a trip to Sumner. It's a SXSW send off party for Sweet Kiss Momma.

PREFUNK: How should one prepare for a trip to Sumner? It's tough to say, exactly, except that a roll of Copenhagen short cut is probably in the cards, and it'll probably require boots you don't mind getting chicken shit on. Before heading to the Silo, brush up with this year's Farmer's Almanac so as to be able to discuss the planting of crops, and be sure to adherer a sticker of Calvin pissing on something to your vehicle. In a pinch, bikini girl mud-flaps will do.


SUNDAY, FEB. 21
Barstool Bingo at Flying Boots Restaurant

Flying Boots Restaurant is a Tacoma icon. Back in the day, I remember trips to the quintessential Grit City greasy spoon for breakfast, where my dad always ordered the S.O.S. It looked like hell, but he loved it. Then again, he was raised on Depression Era inspired cuisine.
Plus, he could always get a beer. Even with breakfast.
Since bingo and barstools go together like Flying Boots and functional alcoholism, it's tough not to recommend this weekly get together for your Sunday evening.

PREFUNK: High octane booze. Plain and simple. I recommend something with a dog in the name or on the can.
The only problem is, of course, Flying Boots is located in one of Tacoma's Alcohol Impact areas - meaning city officials have made it next to impossible to obtain the cheap powerful stuff in the area's corner stores and mini-marts.
The only rationale thing to do, of course, is move your Prefunk public consumption of cheap, high alcohol content booze to a nicer neighborhood before heading to Flying Boots. It just makes sense, right? Move where the booze is. You won't be the first.
With that, I'll see you next week.
- Weekly Volcano (USA)

Question: What do you get when you cross great songwriting, with incredible musicianship and a truck load of heart? Answer: SweetKiss Momma's debut album "Revival Rock". Tonally, this album feels like a great Saturday night out; good friends, a couple of shots of your favorite Bourbon, a few too many ice-cold beers, and the pending specter of questionable choices. These boys aren't afraid to get their hands dirty on such topics as; loving young women - "Sweet Little Thing", thinly veiled innuendo - "Ready to Go"/"Sugar in the Raw"/"Rocket Ride", lovelorn indignation - "Ounce Left of Pride"/"Good God Woman", and as proven by their wryly adroit "Mercy Love", they too (like the Temptations and Rolling Stones before them) ain't to proud to beg. They are just as adept at painting the picture musically, as shown on such songs as; "Slow Fade", where you can feel the afternoon wasting away with it's Mariachi inclined horn accents, and the sweetly mournful "Strange Fire" with it's weeping guitar solo and gospel-true melody. Their lyrical and textural strengths really come together on the album capping dirge "To Help a Man", where the weary-voiced narrator carries you with him to the place where he is beseeching the "Sweet Chariot" to "swing lower and sweep him off his knees" amid a torrent of heavy blues guitar and Sunday-morning Hammond B3. Equal parts thunder and lightening, this album does not disappoint. An incredibly impressive first effort!! - CDBaby.com (USA)

SWEETKISS MOMMA

A smattering of applause from the smattering of people emerged when SweetKiss Momma announced their Puyallup roots to an Austin parking lot. Playing the "Austin Rock Fest Stage" - the band's presence really exemplifies the beast SXSW has become. Not only are there a thousand bands in Austin this week that are "officially" part of SXSW, but there are just as many here that aren't "official." Music pours out of every crevices of this town, and once you're in the middle of the madness it doesn't really matter whether it's "official" or not. Bands come to SXSW to get heard and make connections, and if your music is here - one way or another - you have a chance of accomplishing that goal.
It was 7 p.m. Austin time - or thereabouts - when SweetKiss Momma started doling out their "dirty swamp rock" on SXSW. An appearance arranged by Joey G - who also "arranged" for a number of Tacoma bands to play "unofficial" SXSW shows this week.

SweetKiss Momma, despite the modest turnout, was visibly thrilled to be a part of the craziness. Jeff, the band's lead singer, recalled a story of happening into a Drive By Truckers show the night before, and handed me an official SweetKiss Momma SXSW sampler of songs set to be released in April.
Somewhat ironically described as "Texas rock" in an unofficial online listing of SXSW events, the Puyallup band didn't disappoint. Before SweetKiss Momma's final song, they asked the crowd if they were interested in a ballad. When the soundman pointed out they only had a few minutes left on stage, they decided to say, "screw it" and do what the band does best - Texas rock brought to you from Puyallup. - Weekly Volcano (USA)

The last time I saw SweetKiss Momma frontman Jeff Hamel I told him he needed a championship belt - something to signify his band's current standing as the reigning champs of Puyallup. He was modest, naturally, brushing the suggestion off, but I stand firm. SweetKiss Momma is far and away the best thing P-Town has going for it these days. Though I say that with mild sarcasm (I came from Puyallup so I feel comfortable making fun of it), I'm obviously not alone in my admiration. Hamel tells me the band recently signed distribution deals with "a number of European distributors and have obtained publicists both in the UK and USA." Friday SweetKiss Momma, Midnight Salvage Co. and Guns of Nevada will be at Jazzbones - a show that's also a celebration for Darrell Fortune and the Northwest Convergence Zone podcast. Fortune recently won fifth place in the radio personality category of King 5's Best of Western Washington competition. - Matt Driscoll - Weekly Volcano (USA)

SWEETKISS MAMA
>>> Saturday, June 19


Yes, damn it! SweetKiss, in the case of Puyallup's SweetKiss Mama, is one word! That's just how this band rolls. Who are we to judge whether or not the word "sweet" and the word "kiss" should ever have been joined as one? Rather, all we can judge is the band's swilling, swirling "swamp rock," straight from the fields and auto lots of Puyallup. As crazy as it sounds, and it sounds a whole lot less crazy after chugging a half-rack down by the river, SweetKiss Mama's rejuvenated and slapped-into-shape '70s Southern rock shtick really works. - MD - Weekly Volcano (USA)

Puyallup legends SweetKiss Momma (yeah, I called 'em legends) will be at Jazzbones in Tacoma Friday with Guns of Nevada and Midnight Salvage Co. The show - besides being sure to rock - is a celebration of sorts for local podcaster Darrell Fortune and his South Sound centered show, the Northwest Convergence Zone. Fortune and the Zone recently took home fifth place in King 5's Best of Western Washington poll - which is a pretty impressive feat for a weekly podcast produced in Fortune's garage (in fairness, it's a fucking awesome garage).

SweetKiss Momma lead singer Jeff Hamel tells me the last time the band was at Jazzbones they sold the place out - by over 100 people. While I'm not sure what the fire marshall would have to say about that, what fans of Southern-tinged rock would holler is, "hell-fucking-yeah."

Catch SweetKiss Momma along with Guns of Nevada and Midnight Salvage Co. Friday at Jazzbones. - Weekly Volcano (USA)

Puyallup band SweetKiss Momma have crafted a classic rock ‘n roll sound on their debut album “Revival Rock.”

Mixing fool-proof rock ‘n roll subject matter with their well-crafted musical riffs, SweetKiss Momma offers a diverse blend of twangy Southern sounds, heavy-hitting beats and breakdowns pointed in an easy-to-love pop direction.

Jeff Hamel (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Aaron Arnold (lead guitar), Waid Hoyt (guitar), Randy Jackson (bass) and Tyson Lickert (drums) together create a sound that has been hailed as an instant classic, drawing from influences as far back as Lynyrd Skynyrd and more recently from the soulful rockers Black Crowes.

They create a rootsy, clear and solid direction that conveys the feelings of sultry lust (in “Ready to Go,” “Rocket Ride,” “Mercy Love,” “Sugar in the Raw” and “Sweet Little Thing” – just to name a few), lazy afternoons, wayward lifestyles and survival, all while holding onto their Northwest roots.

Hamel and Arnold’s collaborative songwriting style emulates that of many great rock ‘n roll duos, as they create clear, concise storylines that mix seamlessly with their skillful musical talents.

In addition to recording their debut album this year, SweetKiss Momma has been playing locally non-stop, even making a trip to Austin to get in on the SXSW action this spring, quickly making a name for themselves as the soulful rockers they aim to be.

Recorded entirely on analog equipment at Orbit Audio in Seattle, “Revival Rock” is a true homage to the classic rock ‘n roll trailblazers of decades past, making the album’s moniker a true representation of what SweetKiss Momma seems to be striving for: recreating the sounds, feelings and emotions bred in an era when rock ‘n roll was just coming into its truest form.

Check out the new local rock ‘n roll favorite live at a variety of venues coming up this summer.

Check out http://www.skmband.com or http://www.myspace.com/sweetkissmomma for full show details and more information about the band. - Tacoma Weekly (USA)

(translated via Google Translate)

The lords of this American band musicians have so heard in their youth
their parents' record collection inside out. Fortunately, a good taste and a preference for Americana, blues and southern rock. Movements in the seventies were very popular and dominated American charts. Yet the five more arrows to their bow and they dare ever come up with a more hard rock oriented song. Opener 'Ready To Go' is one of them and still tastes like. We are at our beck and call with 'Son Of The Mountain ", a swampy blues rock piece. With a peace-bringer, the radio-friendly as we all embellished with horns 'Slow Fade' too woolly. Then it picks up the thread in the spiritual part two - the group began his musical career in the local church - 'Love Mercy' and 'Rocket Ride'. The slower 'Fire Sweet' is then etched in the true tradition of Southern rock. In "Sweet Little Thing" is back gashendeltje fully open and works sweet kiss Momma again in sweat, as in the succulent "Sugar In The Raw '. In the last three to five songs let a little something about that and will do what affect this otherwise nice debut. The first full CD of sweet kiss Momma has certainly deserves its name. Let that be no obstacle to young for getting music to taste. - PvdG's studio ekz (The Netherlands)

(translated via Google Translate)

The lords of this American band musicians have so heard in their youth
their parents' record collection inside out. Fortunately, a good taste and a preference for Americana, blues and southern rock. Movements in the seventies were very popular and dominated American charts. Yet the five more arrows to their bow and they dare ever come up with a more hard rock oriented song. Opener 'Ready To Go' is one of them and still tastes like. We are at our beck and call with 'Son Of The Mountain ", a swampy blues rock piece. With a peace-bringer, the radio-friendly as we all embellished with horns 'Slow Fade' too woolly. Then it picks up the thread in the spiritual part two - the group began his musical career in the local church - 'Love Mercy' and 'Rocket Ride'. The slower 'Fire Sweet' is then etched in the true tradition of Southern rock. In "Sweet Little Thing" is back gashendeltje fully open and works sweet kiss Momma again in sweat, as in the succulent "Sugar In The Raw '. In the last three to five songs let a little something about that and will do what affect this otherwise nice debut. The first full CD of sweet kiss Momma has certainly deserves its name. Let that be no obstacle to young for getting music to taste. - PvdG's studio ekz (The Netherlands)

Sitting on the Ripple couch with Jeff, from hard-ass Southern Rockers, Sweet Kiss Momma

When I was a kid, growing up in a house with Cat Stevens, Neil Diamond, and Simon and Garfunkel, the first time I ever heard Kiss's "Detroit Rock City," it was a moment of musical epiphany. It was just so vicious, aggressive and mean. It changed the way I listened to music. I've had a few minor epiphany's since then, when you come across a band that just brings something new and revolutionary to your ears.

What have been your musical epiphany moments?

The first time I can really remember being awed was seeing the movie “Back to The Future” as a kid. I grew up with classic country in the house, and gospel and spirituals at church, so in the movie when Michael J. Fox’s character did that crazy solo during “Johnny B. Goode”, I had the same reaction that the folks in the dance scene did, it was so foreign to me. It’s funny how Chuck Berry was such an influence for the bands that I really love, and I got my “Chuck Berry moment” second hand.

Another big one came a few years later, when a drum set was set up in the sanctuary of our church. Now, keep in mind that up until then there was an organ, a piano, and a stand up bass, THAT’S IT. I remember the uproar, it was so outlandish to bring in one of “the Devil’s instruments”. I just HAD to play those things, and eventually worked my way up to being the every-week drummer before moving on to guitar.

For what I’m sure is probably a pretty common story, my biggest musical “epiphany” came in my early teens when I heard “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on our local Top-40 station. It was so weird to me that this incredible band came from a place I knew, and sounded so different from anything else I had been exposed to. I am sure I still have a tape recording somewhere of a 101.5 fm “Hot 7 at 7” where “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is played along side MC Hammer, Crash Test Dummies, and TLC. My Mom actually confiscated my copy of Nevermind because she couldn’t understand what was being sung, and concluded that it “must be satanic”.


Talk to us about the song-writing process for you. What comes first, the idea? A riff? The lyrics? How does it all fall into place?


I don’t know that there is an exact formula for us. A riff, a melody, or a set of lyrics have all been the springboard for SweetKiss Momma songs.

The music side of SKM’s songs start with either Aaron or I. The real riff-heavy tracks that you hear from us, probably started with Aaron. He grew up a metal kid, and later supplemented that with a heavy dose of SRV love, and I think that you are getting a great mix of both through his ridiculously fast fingers. I only wish that my riffs and runs were as cool as his.

When it comes to handling the lyrical and melodic side, I really like having music first, but it’s not absolutely necessary. Like most writers, I have notebooks full of mostly crap, but I think it’s worth all of the wasted ink when something finally comes out that I really like.

For most styles of music, melody is what draws me. I can listen to Classical, or Qawwali, or Sigur Ros for that matter, and while I may not be enticed by the instrumentation, or understand the lyrical subject matter, I can still appreciate the story melodically. I think that of any part of a song, the melody is what most people take with them. You can’t hum rhythm, and you may not always remember lyrics, and when you talk about a song getting “stuck in your head”, it’s the melody that you’re referring to. I don’t want to say that there is a “most important part” to any song, but for me to consider our music a success, I want folks to have that connection.

Who has influenced you the most?

Probably my Grandfather (on my Father’s side), though he died while I was still fairly young, so my recollection is probably a bit skewed. He was a Big Band director (as well as a semi-professional wrestler, body builder, and race car driver in his younger years). I have memories of going to see his band play. There were people dancing, and laughing, and just generally having a good time. I look at what SweetKiss Momma is doing (or attempting to do…) and I think that for me, I am making a conscious effort to find those same reactions with my own music. Obviously, we are talking about different styles, but it is definitely a choice to write and perform with an overall tone that lends itself to having a good time.


Where do you look for continuing inspiration? New ideas, new motivation?

I love being around people, hearing their stories, and seeing how they act and react. For me, friends, family, acquaintances, ect. are an unending fountain of subject matter and inspiration. It’s funny, because for Aaron, it’s the exact opposite. He takes more of a Zen-like approach; sitting in absolute silence, clearing his mind, seeing what comes to him from the cosmos…


Genre's are so misleading and such a way to pigeonhole bands. Witho - The Ripple Effect (USA)

(translated via Google Translate)
Sweet Kiss Momma is from Puyallup, Washington. Their debut album Revival Rock Southern rock from the top shelf. They are reminiscent of Drive-By Truckers, Kings Of Leon and especially Lynyrd Skynyrd. The lyrical Strange Fire is even a valiant attempt to own a modern version of Skynyrd's Freebird it. What Sweet Kiss Momma further so special, besides the great guitar work and strong songs, the voice of frontman Jeff Hamel: tough and unprecedented soul. - Bol.com (The Netherlands)

Well, I was really surprised with this debut album “Revival Rock” of SWEETKISS MOMMA, which is a five-piece band existing of Jeff Hamel (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Waid Hoyt (guitar), Aaron Arnold (lead guitar), Randy Jackson (bass) and Tyson Lickert (drums). This debut album is the follow up of their self titled three track EP, which was released in August of 2008. These guys couldn't come up with a better title for their fantastic debut album, because on this album we'll get some great Southern Rock like in the '70's. “Revival Rock” is very good produced by Joe Reineke, who's also playing guitar on the songs “Sweet Little Thing” and the ballad “Come Clean”. Besides fantastic rock songs, there are also some quieter moments on this album with songs like “Slow Fade”, “Strange Fire”, which is the longest track of the album, the just mentioned “Come Clean” and “To Help A Man”. In fact, it's just a real pleasure to listen to this album. Perfect songs, excellent musicians and Hamel is a fantastic singer. I don't have any negative points to mention about this album. Well, if you like bands as THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, MOLLY HATCHET, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, RAM JAM and THE BLACK CROWES very much, then you'll absolutely have to check out SWEETKISS MOMMA, because they are awesome. My favorite songs of this album are “Ready To Go”, “Son Of The Mountain”, “Mercy Love”, “Rocket Ride”, “Sweet Little Thing” and the beautiful “To Help A Man”. Excellent album of a fantastic band. Well done guys. Keep on rockin'.

Written by Ad van Osch - Mario's Metal Mania (The Netherlands)

Well, I was really surprised with this debut album “Revival Rock” of SWEETKISS MOMMA, which is a five-piece band existing of Jeff Hamel (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Waid Hoyt (guitar), Aaron Arnold (lead guitar), Randy Jackson (bass) and Tyson Lickert (drums). This debut album is the follow up of their self titled three track EP, which was released in August of 2008. These guys couldn't come up with a better title for their fantastic debut album, because on this album we'll get some great Southern Rock like in the '70's. “Revival Rock” is very good produced by Joe Reineke, who's also playing guitar on the songs “Sweet Little Thing” and the ballad “Come Clean”. Besides fantastic rock songs, there are also some quieter moments on this album with songs like “Slow Fade”, “Strange Fire”, which is the longest track of the album, the just mentioned “Come Clean” and “To Help A Man”. In fact, it's just a real pleasure to listen to this album. Perfect songs, excellent musicians and Hamel is a fantastic singer. I don't have any negative points to mention about this album. Well, if you like bands as THE ALLMAN BROTHERS, MOLLY HATCHET, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, RAM JAM and THE BLACK CROWES very much, then you'll absolutely have to check out SWEETKISS MOMMA, because they are awesome. My favorite songs of this album are “Ready To Go”, “Son Of The Mountain”, “Mercy Love”, “Rocket Ride”, “Sweet Little Thing” and the beautiful “To Help A Man”. Excellent album of a fantastic band. Well done guys. Keep on rockin'.

Written by Ad van Osch - Mario's Metal Mania (The Netherlands)

Rock, Southern style from this five piece Washington state band, bringing to mind such luminaries as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black Crowes and contemporaries Black Stone Cherry (particularly the latter for the pro-Christian undertones, though to be fair its not shoved down your throat lyrically). Vocalist and SKM head honcho Jeff Hamel possessing a particularly authentic gravelly North Western Pacific set of pipes. I’m not sure whether to deduct points for the shameless theft of the chorus hook to the Joe South classic ‘Games People Play’ or the lapse into lazy alt.rock on ‘Slow Fade’ but either way it signals a wrong turn which the band thankfully recover from quite quickly with the Saturday Night Special swagger of ‘Mercy Love’. One or two minor blips aside, this is a more than decent slice of Southern rock. - Mass Movement Magazine (UK)

Good job here guys! Some great Southern rock on show here, strong songs throughout and all well performed, fans of southern rock will love this.

-Dave Watts - Overloaded Radio Program (USA)

A Rootsy, Southern-soul tinged, instant classic!! - Great Indie Music.com (USA)

What can I say? The band SWEETKISS MOMMA are the torch bearers of that southern rock sound that was created by the likes of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS AND LYNYRD SKYNYRD. The groove is undeniable and the soulful delivery of lead singer JEFF HAMEL can't be denied but the thing is this southern-fried approach to rock n roll is actually brought to you by way of the Northwest. Yes, SWEETKISS MOMMA hails from the very state that is responsible for the grunge sound but these guys do southern rock better than most southern acts that I can think of. On their album 'REVIVAL ROCK' not only does the band show a fondess for that moment in musical history where rock n roll was all about grit but the band's gospel influence is also highlighted on the some of the gentler tracks. People may scratch their heads with regard to the geography of the band and the images that their sound may generate, but folks can be assured that the bands embrace of a rootsier, southern sound are completely genuine. - RockWired Radio (USA)

Sweetkiss Momma, a five-piece rock n roll band, hails from the Pacific Northwest, (most of the band grew up in the churches of Pullayup, WA) but their sound is straight blues based southern rock. With a regrettable moniker recalling the comical jam band names of the late 90s, Sweet Kiss is nonetheless a barnstorming sensation according to their press release, selling records across Europe and garnering huge sale numbers on independent music distribution website CD Baby.

Revival Rock, is their follow up to a self-titled EP from 2008, and its sound is particularly bland. There is emotion behind the musical performances, it punches with some grit and power at times but the song writing lacks anything notable to separate it from a million songs penned by the bearded and love spurned whiskey drinkers of yesteryear. While rocking Saturday nights and regret filled Sunday mornings are an enduring, joyous, and humbling human experience, the band simply plays things too close to the vest to make an impression. Good ‘ole rock n’ roll can be simultaneously majestic and heartbreaking but Revival Rock only occasionally sniffs that revered place where simplicity and a direct connection with the blues and power rock channels sweet salvation.

Moments of “Come Clean” and album closer “To Help a Man” have their bright spots; a little tasteful harmonica flourish here and a sweetly sung chorus there, but too much of Revival Rock is crunchy power chords that often sounds like the odd lovechild of Stone Temple Pilots and Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Strange Fire” is the album highlight with its power ballad heart and escapist fantasy lyrics that have nonetheless been written a time or two before. “Slow Fade”, apes the melody from Joe South’s country soul classic “Games People Play” so thoroughly the band should offer some royalties. Unfortunately it’s probably the most memorable melody on the album.

The musicianship on Revival Rock is professional and tight and production quality is high. No doubt there is an audience for Sweet Kiss Momma’s brand of rootsy, gut punching rock n’ roll and surely the band has provided many fun Saturday nights full of bourbon and too many beers but without originality its tough to get excited about this release. Ho-hum. - Glide Magazine (USA)

Classic southern rock, analog recording techniques, gritty guitar riffs, strong 'husky' vocals, equals an independent debut album just as good as any Molly Hatchet release as of lately. The five piece rock band Sweet Kiss Momma (not the best of monicker really) hailing from rural Washington State, USA, comes charging through the internet like a rhino in heat. It's back-to-basics, "Revival Rock", straight out of the seventies America and you're bound to pick up some old melodies in the vein of The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, Steve Miller Band, 38 Special, and at times, BTO (Bachman Turner Overdrive).

Hardly groundbreaking, certainly not original, but oh-so professional done and executed. It's a credit to the band that they have recognized some really worthwhile retro vibes and transformed it into Sweetkiss Momma in the twenty ten. With this release the band have at least a strong chance of following suit and perhaps most importantly, secure some major opening slots on 'southern rock' tours. I noticed that some folks have praised this album to the very extreme though (instant classic, etc). It's not *that* good really (at least not in my humble opinion of course), since there's a tad too many fillers and frankly not good enough material to be found in between the nuggets. Occasionally, the band try something slightly different and more ambitious, a touch of the Bo Bice vibe on, "Good God Woman", or a half decent stab at country-tinged rock, however, it's once again quickly back to the rootsy material. Final verdict: it's solid rock sound, backed with a mighty fine vocalist and a nice 'retro' production. I'm sure we'll get to hear plenty more and better from this act in the future. - RockUnited.com (UK)

Fans who miss the fuzzy 1970s output of Foghat combined with the equally retro southern touch of prime Lynyrd Skynyrd will lap up the aptly named Revival Rock, SweetKiss Momma’s debut full length commerical release. Some funky elements of Lenny Kravitz’s all-too-scarce rock side and some of Molly Hatchet’s grunt permeate a clear desire to modernise The Allman Brothers without quite so much self-indulgence. The mood of Revival Rock is all in the title. It’s rock music, but it’s laid back, measured, and with a tangible air of hazy 1970s Summer afternoons. There’s plenty of The Black Crowes in the raw rock ‘n’ roll of Mercy Love and Rocket Ride, and mellow ballad Strange Fire, plenty of southern groove, and most importantly of all, plenty of honest-to-God good songs. Although there are comparable elements of many older bands in these tracks, SweetKiss Momma’s sound is their own take on the feel of those bands, not simply a copying of their sound. Fans of all of these bands, and more in a similar vein besides, will find a lot to like in Revival Rock, an album seemingly created with that one purpose in mind.

Written by Andy Lye - Jukebox:Metal (UK)

Decent earthy rock band from Puyallup, Washington that remind me of younger guys on a southern trip and more.

It's totally retro throughout the album - no wonder that that album's titled 'Revival Rock'. Highlights include 'Son Of the Mountain'; the exquisite 'Mercy Love' that has a bit of 'Sweet Home Alabama' riffage and much more in it; 'Rocket Ride' - not be confused with the Kiss number - lol.

Then there's 'Strange Fire' that reminds me of Lynyrd Skynyrd's'Tuesday's Gone'; 'Sugar In The Raw' that comes complete with vocoder and elements of The Steve Miller Band; the Crowesy meet a certain Bad Company ballad 'Good God Woman' and the closing Allmansy vibed 'To Help A Man' that has so much dixie sweetness to it.

F*ck*n' Excellent.

10/10 - Metalliville.co.uk (UK)

Last month I received several issues of composition, whose approach of expression rests on the postulates of southern rock. Njh one of the album, Sweetkiss Momma, perhaps somewhat unfortunately titled "Rock Revival" (Self - released 2010.). Sweetkiss Momma come from Washington County and work in the formation Quintet (Jeff - vocals, guitar, harp; Waid - guitar, vocals, Aaron - lead guitar, vocals, Randy - bass; Tyson - drums). On their CD, "Rock Revival", there were 12 songs that are played in the southern rock / blues rock style. The songs are mostly medium to small fast-medium pace, although there are occasional, "furioznije" played tracks, as well as several semi-ballads. Sweetkiss Momma composition that are not merely imitating the idols from the 70's, but their approach to the aforementioned form, as far as possible, streamlined. Sounding and playing quite convincing and have mastered the lesson in more than satisfactorily. "Rock Revival" contains material that may be equally satisfied with the so-called supporters. older schools, as well as southern rock fans novopeceni. Rating: 8.5 / 10. - Barikada.com (Serbia)

Last month I received several issues of composition, whose approach of expression rests on the postulates of southern rock. Njh one of the album, Sweetkiss Momma, perhaps somewhat unfortunately titled "Rock Revival" (Self - released 2010.). Sweetkiss Momma come from Washington County and work in the formation Quintet (Jeff - vocals, guitar, harp; Waid - guitar, vocals, Aaron - lead guitar, vocals, Randy - bass; Tyson - drums). On their CD, "Rock Revival", there were 12 songs that are played in the southern rock / blues rock style. The songs are mostly medium to small fast-medium pace, although there are occasional, "furioznije" played tracks, as well as several semi-ballads. Sweetkiss Momma composition that are not merely imitating the idols from the 70's, but their approach to the aforementioned form, as far as possible, streamlined. Sounding and playing quite convincing and have mastered the lesson in more than satisfactorily. "Rock Revival" contains material that may be equally satisfied with the so-called supporters. older schools, as well as southern rock fans novopeceni. Rating: 8.5 / 10. - Barikada.com (Serbia)

Ami-class debut of Southern rockers.There is a strong blend of Southern rock Jam songs, and Laid Back Ballads. Very Honest Music from a young and upcoming band. - RockCD.de (Germany)

Ami-class debut of Southern rockers.There is a strong blend of Southern rock Jam songs, and Laid Back Ballads. Very Honest Music from a young and upcoming band. - RockCD.de (Germany)

Just ‘cause they’re from the Northwest doesn’t mean they can’t rock like Skynyrrrrrrrrrd! Sweet Kiss Momma is one of South Sound's most popular “southern” rock acts. (Hey, go with it. Puyallup is south of where I’m sittin’, anyway.) And the band debuted this slick, new mini doc during their most recent appearance at Jazzbones. Check it out. - Tacoma News Tribune/Tacoma Rock City blog (USA)

Just ‘cause they’re from the Northwest doesn’t mean they can’t rock like Skynyrrrrrrrrrd! Sweet Kiss Momma is one of South Sound's most popular “southern” rock acts. (Hey, go with it. Puyallup is south of where I’m sittin’, anyway.) And the band debuted this slick, new mini doc during their most recent appearance at Jazzbones. Check it out. - Tacoma News Tribune/Tacoma Rock City blog (USA)

Washington’s Sweetkiss Momma certainly picked an appropriate title for their album. The style they are reviving is southern rock with lots of spirit and plenty of thick grooves. Think early ZZ top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers but mixed in with some lighter doses of say Blue Cheer and Grand Funk Railroad. However this band isn’t one of those total retro acts who try so hard to make every riff sound like it’s 1973. No, they are true to their influences, but mix it with some more modern sounds as well. Quite honestly they frequently hit on a mix that brings the best of both worlds because they are not afraid to bring 70's southern fried rock into modern days. They definitely have a confidence that shows through and they are not afraid to take chances. The second half of the disc isn’t quite as smooth as the first half as not every track down the stretch is quite as good as the first half. We get a few songs with some dull moments and some real lack of focus. For the most part this is definitely worth checking out and I can’t wait to see where they go from here. - Metals Dead (USA)

Washington's Sweetkiss Momma certainly picked an appropriate title for their album. The style they are reviving is southern rock with lots of spirit and plenty of thick grooves. Think early ZZ top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers but mixed in with some lighter doses of say Blue Cheer and Grand Funk Railroad. However this band isn't one of those total retro acts who try so hard to make every riff sound like it's 1973. No, they are true to their influences, but mix it with some more modern sounds as well. Quite honestly they frequently hit on a mix that brings the best of both worlds because they are not afraid to bring 70's southern fried rock into modern days. They definitely have a confidence that shows through and they are not afraid to take chances. The second half of the disc isn't quite as smooth as the first half as not every track down the stretch is quite as good as the first half. We get a few songs with some dull moments and some real lack of focus. For the most part this is definitely worth checking out and I can't wait to see where they go from here. - Heavy Metal Time Machine (USA)

Here at PEV, we love a good band name to get the day started. One of the best we’ve heard this year, comes from our friends out of the Pacific Northwest, SweetKiss Momma. This five piece Roots Rock, Southern-style, rock-n-roll powerhouse (man that's a mouthful) is celebrating their full-length debut album Revival Rock.

The boys of SweetKiss Momma, say, “We wanted to, as authentically as possible, create an album that would have been just as at home 35 years ago as it is now. Even things like the album's artwork (created by famed poster artist Adam Turman) and track sequencing, were done with the intention of supporting this idea of a "timeless" album.”

Creating an album that you can comfortably call timeless is not easy – many have tried and many have come short. However, not all of them were Pacific Northwesterners that dared to challenge the world of Southern style rock and emerged on top. Revival Rock nails it on every levels.

The band will tell you, "We don't take ourselves too seriously, and hope that the overall tone of SweetKiss Momma music represents that. We grew up in the shadow of "grunge" music, and still deeply love the bands from that era, but there was always a darker feel and inspiration to their music that just isn't a part of who we are.”

And who they are is what most people are not. Real, fresh, authentic and most of all unique. “We enjoy life, and hope that that comes through as you listen to our music. I think that our best ideas come from us taking a step back and really appreciating what we have.” With that, take a stab at their XXQs and see for yourself what SweetKiss Momma is all about.


XXQs: Sweetkiss Momma

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what do you feel makes you stand out over the others in your genre?
SKM: The easy description would be to call it "Southern" or "Roots" rock. We play a blues-based, riff-driven style that is heavily influenced by the albums our parents listened to. There aren’t a lot of current “Rock” bands that identify with the same group of influences that we do. While it is fashionable as a band to say that you are influenced by the blues, it’s maybe not as cool to say you grew up playing gospel, or that you actually appreciate Elvis as an artist. For us, it’s not as much about standing out over, as much as it is about relating to current bands like My Morning Jacket, Drive By Truckers, and The Black Crowes.

PEV: Tell us your take on the music scene is like in your hometown and what was it like trying to break into it?
SKM: We live in Puyallup, WA, which is about 30 min. south of Seattle, just outside of Tacoma. That 30 min. drive is just enough distance to create a scene separate from what is going on farther north. Tacoma, referred to as "Grit City" by many, functions as a "Little Sister" or maybe "Redneck Cousin" to the "big city". Folks around here realize, and openly embrace, this idea that we're overlooked and maybe undervalued, and it really strengthens our resolve and builds a cohesion amongst the bands that I can't imagine exists in many areas. We have genuine affection for our friends in the other bands, and are honestly excited for each other when good things happen. Stylistically, though there is great variety in the sound from band to band, there seems to be a movement towards a more raw, organic style of rock. On any given night you'll hear bits of southern/roots, psychedelia, "stoner", alt-country, metal, and all points in between.

PEV: With that, what can fans expect from a live SweetKiss Momma show?
SKM: Chest hair, beards, sweat.... As proud of "Revival Rock" as we are, I don't think that it fully captures the experience of SweetKiss Momma live. We play a style of rock-n-roll that lends itself to having a good time, and grew up musically in a place (the church) where music was meant to cause a physical response, so we feel it’s our job to help you along in enjoying the evening. We’ve been referred to as "beer-drinking, hell-raisin', booty-shakin' music". If we can inspire you to 2 out of 3 of those at a live show, we’ve done our part.



PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage?



SKM: You know that scene towards the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark", where they open up the Ark, and the angel comes out and melts all of their faces and the one guy's head explodes...

PEV: Having all been in other bands before how is playing with SweetKiss Momma different then those other works?
SKM: In all honesty, other than Tyson and Randy, who have played in a couple of bands together, this is the first band Waid, Aaron, and I have been in.

PEV: What was the underlining inspiration for your music? Where do get your best ideas for songs?
SKM: We don't take ourselves too seriously, and hope that the overall tone of SweetKiss Momma music represents that. We grew up in the shadow of "grunge" music, and still deeply love the bands from that era, but there - Pen's Eye View (USA)

(translation via Google Translate)

In last months I have received a few CD's of groups with southern feel and southern rock approaches, and it's a real pleasure every new discovering of relativelly still unknown acts, whose style communicate with mentioned genre. SKM are Washington state based band, they works in quintet formation, and few month before, they have discographically debuted with " Revival Rock" album. A group has introduced themselves with 12 tracks , done in southern rock/ blues rock style. Their approach is fresh, also convinceble, and even of associations of album title, their musical views are done according to standards of our time.A songs posses an equalizing qualities, most of them are done in mid to mid-up tempo, and also exists faster up songs, as same as some half-ballads as well. Musically SKM satisfies, and their approach could be interesting equally for older and newer southern rock followers.

8.5/10 points - Barikada (Serbia)

This group I thought was playing stoner rock or something like that and it´s not so far away from what they´re doing. Mix that with some southern rock so it´s maybe the right about a group like this. It´s really well played music but it´s a little bit boring but some of the songs I get a Guitar hero feeling and that´s positive. Much mixes from the 60´s, through the seventies metal and til today. But as I said a little bit boring do I think that this is. - Skrutt Online Magazine (Sweden)

Puyallup five piece SweetKiss Momma plays full-throated Roots Rock on their latest album Revival Rock, which is getting more attention in Europe than here because of… wait for it… better distribution. Agreements with Just For Kicks Music (German), Barchen Records (German) and Sonic Rendezvous (Dutch) have made SKM possibly more popular in Europe than where their, dare I say it?, roots are. <groan>.

There’s no reason for that. Go out and see them. - NW Music Blog (USA)

Revival rock indeed! This gritty platter of ballsy, blues-ified, riff-rock comes at you like a blood-spittled dripping gator crawling out of some time-warped southern swamp, where guitars still reign supreme, men drive 18-foot tall trucks with bigger gun racks, and Jack Daniels drips from mother’s breasts instead of milk.

This isn’t revisionist rock, it’s a fucking reclamation! It’s a six-string declaration that rock in the classic southern vein is back-- the land claimed in the name of Queen Hustler Magazine and moonshine. Bongs at the ready. But not only does this shit rock, it grooves. Really grooves, in that rolling way that only the best of Southern Rock ever could. Just listen to “Son of the Mountain,” and you’ll get it. That groove is thicker than the layer of mud caked on the tires at a tractor pull.

Like Pig Iron, these mutts are the real deal. Sure there’s a touch of Skynard, but it’s more full-on rock than that. Think Point Blank when they were good, 38 Special when they mattered, Blackfoot when they existed. Take that whole vibe, douse it in axle grease, drop it off in some biker bar brandishing the Confederate Flag, $1 beers and a protective fence around the stage and we’re all set.

I don’t know what these guys look like, but my imagination says that they’re big hairy brutes who could put the fear of God into anybody who crosses their path. Just the way rock is supposed to be. - The Ripple Effect (USA)

'Southern rock' is always going to be a divisive subject, especially if something is lost in the distance between America and the UK. Luckily, Sweetkiss Momma's "Revival Rock" is about as fundamental as it gets, from the music right down to the cover art. It's five guys who combine good ol' honest songwriting with comfy traditional style melodies. Which means you're either going to love it or hate it.

As the title suggests, "Revival Rock" draws heavily on its influences from the Southern rock and soul greats and really can't offer too much in the way of adding something new to the genre. Not that that's the point of roots music, it's more about sounding 'authentic' and they have that in abundance. 'Ready To Go' and 'Son of the Mountain' are standard driving Southern rock and there's very little to get excited about over that. 'Slow Fade's melody sounds ominously familiar, but there are some hidden gems in the radio-friendly 'Mercy Love' and country-tinged 'Strange Fire', as well as the slow-burn 'To Help A Man'. The album definitely improves as it goes along, although typically it sticks to the same tried-and-trusted formula: it sounds like the band on stage at a night out in an American country bar.

It's quite easy for this album to slip into the background after a while, which is great for it soundtracking a night out, but isn't going to make for a 'must have' listen. The unusual guitar on 'Sugar in the Raw' provides one of the most unique moments of the album, as does the immediate introduction to 'Good God Woman'. But tracks like 'Ounce Left of Pride' and 'Sweet Little Thing' are easily forgettable.

You can't fault the devotion to the genre, well-crafted songs and great musicianship. If you already have a fondness for this kind of rock, and that could be anything from The Allman Brothers Band to Black Crowes there's probably something here for you. Highlights for those with a passing interest include 'Mercy Love' and 'Good God Woman' which handle that duality in Southern rock of the spiritual and the physical with authentic angst. It's not going to convert new listeners, but is a very creditable addition to the genre and with any luck will help the band find a major label deal. - Room Thirteen (UK)

You’d think that SweetKiss Momma would be from the Deep South somewhere around Florida via the Delta region, but they’re actually from the other side of the US way up in the Northwest - Washington State to be exact. Just goes to show you that now more than ever musical sub-genres really do transcend geographical boundaries. “Revival Rock” is hit and miss with me. There’s absolutely nothing wrong here, but several of the song are a bit flat for my taste. The irrefutable winners here are the up-tempo rock of “Mercy Love” with it’s heavy as hell riff to the break in the middle where they sound uncannily like the Allman Brothers. “Ready to Go”, too, is a sure-fire rocker with the emphasis placed on the wah-wah pedal; killer chorus too. “Sweet Little Thing” rocks with the help of some tasty piano playing - too low in the mix though. “Sugar in the Raw” reminds me of the Black Crowes. The song is carried away by that wah-wah again and it works well. “Good God Woman” is pure Allmans from the main melody to the chorus. The other compositions just don’t do it for me. Their either not memorable or too melancholy. These guys almost have it down though, but if you really want to hear some killer roots/southern rock check out Hogjaw or The Steepwater Band.

Tony Pijar - Power Play Magazine (UK)

When you think of music in the state of Washington, Seattle undoubtedly comes to mind. And why shouldn't it with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains to make the area beyond famous? But if you travel just a little bit south, let's say to Puyallup, you'll find SweetKiss Momma debuting with Revival Rock. A band and album more akin to The Black Crowes than to the aforementioned grunge era acts.

The album title says a lot in those two words. It's more than just a statement. SKM is making a promise to bring something musically to the table that was at one time, and now is no more. So just what kind of rock are they trying to revive, anyway? To tell you the truth, the record does seem to be a bit of a throwback in style, but not in a bad way. They don't sound dated, they sound committed to making organic rock music. Plain and simple. No tricks, no FX; just some guitars, drums, bass, vocals, and the occasional harmonica and trumpet.

To oversimplify their style - and ignore any subtle nuance or depth of musical repertoire - it can be described as southern rootsy rock. Influences of the blues, gospel, and folk all show face. What I love about their sound is the rawness of it all. None of these songs are over-produced. It sounds as if they were just recording some jam sessions, rather than some studio engineers nitpicking every take on a computer screen. You can imagine SKM really rocking your world when playing live.

My favorite number is "Good God Woman". The bass is the star of the show on this song. It's a funky tune with lyrics that I'm sure every man can appreciate, "Good God woman, why don't you make up your mind?" And then we have "To Help a Man" which is a wonderful ballad that I'm so glad showcased the harmonica, stamping the track further with its bluesy vibe.

"Son of the Mountain" starts off hard with electric guitars and harmonica over pounding drums. The energy is relentless for the duration of the track. I would consider "Slow Fade" to be the catchiest of the bunch; from the fun and bluesy melody to the humorous lyrics: "Woke up sick this morning, felt like something was coming along. Turns out it was all just in my head (I slept in anyway), until Oprah came on."

Revival Rock does indeed conjure up a time where rock music was pure and free. Free from commercialism and mass marketing. A time where exceptional musicianship was the norm. SKM debut's with a beautiful collection of very good songs. The only thing I would have liked to hear on this album, is a great song or two. No one particular track really stands out from the rest. It makes for a stylistically and sonically consistent listen, but in my opinion misses the mark of being a classic. But with their lyrical and musical talent, this is still an album worth checking out. Any fan of classic, southern, bluesy, rootsy rock will be at home with SweetKiss Momma. - Music Emissions (USA)

(translated via Google Translate)

6 of 7 points!!

The band consists of Jeff Hamel (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica), Aaron Arnold (lead guitar, vocals), Waid Hoyt (guitar, vocals), Randy Jackson (bass) and Tyson Lickert (drums). Musically, the guys have definitely done their homework. Before everything else, but you notice about them is that they play music really stand again.

ROCK REVIVAL on a first-class Southern-/Blues-/Roots-Rock with a good pinch of soul is served. Each song is a hit, so I'm going at this point only to my personal favorites. It starts with "Ready to go" a crash in the style of the Black Crowes, who remains stuck in the ear immediately. The next highlight of the day with "Slow Fade", a slightly groovy Motown number that you can whistle along at once (the chorus sounds suspiciously like, however, "Games People Play" by Inner Circle). The blues-rocker "Rocket Ride" you feel Lynyrd Skynyrd would be here one of their many hits to the best, cool! hit with "Sugar in the Raw Sweet Kiss Momma then another Blue Flower Stick out rocker that would make the old Bad Company (Paul Rodgers) credit.

This album has a quite a lot. The songs all have a remarkable quality, the band plays absolutely tight and with much passion. The voice of singer Jeff Hamel is variable, it has a lot of feeling and power and gives the music of Sweet Kiss Momma thus the grain of "Soul", which ROCK REVIVAL makes a debut album that you will not forget so quickly.

Result: Sweet Kiss Momma to act on their debut with much passion and feeling and bow to the classic Southern rock in the style of the Allman Brothers Band, the Black Crowes, and of course Lynyrd Skynyrd. REVIVAL ROCKS offers great songs and melodies remain ready to hang in the ear canal.

Tip: Southern Rock fans should make the record shelf under the letter S you room for ROCK REVIVAL. A great disc with many catchy tunes! - HardHarderHeavy (Germany)

Written by Jimmy Rae

First off, I have to say right off the bat that I simply love the style of this group. SweetKiss Momma has such a cool vibe goin’ that incorporates rock, southern rock, classic rock/modern rock and blues. Not to mention, this Seattle/Tacoma-based group offers up a kick-ass band name. Revival Rock is definitely sweet and should be enjoyed by many.

Sweetkiss Momma is made up of five members: Jeff Hamel on lead vocals, guitar & harmonica, Randy Jackson on bass, Aaron Arnold on lead guitar, Waid Hoyt on rhythm guitar, vocals & trumpet and Tyson Lickert on drums. What’s so great to hear is that all five musicians collectively bring it all together very nicely. Hamel gives you one hell of a vocal performance that is both powerful & soulful throughout the whole 12-song set. You will say to yourself, by the end, ‘damn, this guy can really SING!’ I was also very impressed with the overall guitar playing as Aaron, Waid and Jeff were all on fire! Aaron Arnold definitely had some killer guitar solos that really stood out. Tyson Lickert really kept a solid beat as did Randy Jackson on bass. The whole band just brought their A-game and played the hell out of each and every song.

On the opening track “Ready To Go”, I heard a cool southern groove as I was really feelin’ this one. On the next song “Son of the Mountain”, I picked up on a soulful approach by Jeff Hamel with the guitars really bringin’ it and the whole band just workin’ it. You also hear the harmonica breaking in here, which supplied a nice touch. On the next number “Slow Fade”, the guitar playing and drumming is extremely noticeable and very well-done. Up next we have “Mercy Love”, which gives you a stellar vocal performance from Hamel. For being such a calm/laid back song, it had such a BIG & POWERFUL SOUND. I really tapped into a genuine feeling here that was portrayed & delivered in phenomenal fashion. On track eight “Ounce Left of Pride”, Jeff Hamel delivers a meaningful message, which states that you have to swallow your pride just to get by today. This idea makes complete sense and is so relevant! Next on my list is “Sugar in the Raw” that had a guitar effect/technique I love and harmonica is rockin’ it once again.
On the whole, this record was incredibly catchy, had a very nice flow and really draws the listener in. Excellent job here overall for Sweetkiss Momma as they prove to you that they hold all of the perfect ingredients and essentials toward being a hugely successful band. This group is ready for the BIG TIME right now, so listen close as Sweetkiss Momma attempt to take over the airwaves and come to a music venue near you! Sweetkiss Momma ROCKS!!! - Skope Magazine (USA)

Written by Robert Kalix

At SWEET KISS MOMMA would allow the opinions differ. Those who are fond of the Southern Rock but the modern pressure-fuller variant prefer and value a clear sound, with the "Rock Revival" can not be happy. Yesterday, however, be eternally nostalgic and click your tongue and take this slice of grateful Americans in their collection. SWEET KISS MOMMA play powerful but they fry not. Three guitars and analog recording techniques to develop only in the higher-db region and are not designed for low volume. But the levels out of lovers rocking southern sounds automatically when the short but to the point placed opener "Ready to go" rings out and surprise attack with occasional funky white. The experimentation of the quintet is still limited, but relies in the atmosphere of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lynyrd Skynyrd popular games such as soulful brass in "Slow Fade" or contemplative blues scales in the final "To help a man". But it is largely what one expects from a band who has prescribed the Southern Rock. Doubled leads, beautiful melodies, a nod to the always welcoming rhythm and a rough, yet gentle expression in the voice of front man Jeff Hamel. There are two obligatory ballads in silence sometimes push away a tear. So what you want more? Vllcht. one or another innovative idea to spite all related to your roots stand out from the publication of a flood of recognition such as to obtain ZACH WILLIAMS AND THE REFORMATION. Otherwise, "Rock Revival" solid craftsmanship is where there is nothing wrong. - FFM-Rock (Germany)

Causing more than a little stir in the underground indie movement for Southern rock is Washington based Sweetkiss Momma and their first full-length album Revival Rock. The disc has been ripping up CDBaby's Southern rock charts since its debut, and their songs are going to be featured in 'undisclosed and unnamed' video game in 2011. Yet, you probably still haven't heard of Sweetkiss Momma. Well, now you have. And Revival Rock is an appropriate name for this band's deep roots in American southern and blues rock.

Drawing from the past and present, from Allman Brothers to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Kings of Leon, Sweetkiss Momma offer gritty back porch, whiskey-dripping, southern rock charm. They're darn good at it, too. Ready to Go, Mercy Love, Come Clean among others cut a large and viable dusty back road across the genre. I might even suggest that there are even older vibes here going back to Big Brother & the Holding Company, if you have the ears to hear.

Sweet Little Thing, Sugar in the Raw (best track), and Ready to Go add some necessary rock kick to stir things up. And Son of the Mountain, To Help a Man, and Slow Fade (second best track) offer gut level inspiration. Yet, all is not a bottle of Jack, a glass, and a warm summer breeze on Revival Rock. Mercy Love and Rocket seem genuinely similarly, and the overly long Strange Fire could bore you half to death. Then there's the confused spirituality within. (SKM started in a local church.) You have the sublime naughtiness of Sweet Little Thing and Good God Woman swerving against the Gospel metaphors of To Help a Man. But Southern music has always tangled, wrestled, and glorified with sin with the sacred.

Sweetkiss Momma's Revival Rock is pure, gritty, and authentic Southern rock about 30 years removed from yesterday. With sound inspiration from past influences and terrific musicianship, SKM is the real deal.

3.75 out of 5

By Craig Hartranft - Dangerdog Music Reviews (USA)

If you're into Southern Rock, you're gonna love what this Payallup (a rural town not even 50 kms South of Seattle), Washington based band does! A bold statement, because their music encompasses a lot more...but first some history lessons!

Lead singer Jeff Hamel (also occasionally handles a third guitar or a mouth harmonica), guitarists Waid Hoyt (also does backing vocals and the occasional trumpet) and Aaron Arnold (lead player), and drummer Tyson Lyckert started playing together in the early 2000's at their local church, and bassist Randy Jackson, a childhood friend of the others, completed the line-up in the Fall of 2009. Still with another bass player, the band performed for the first time in Spring 2008 and in August of the same year released a 3-track, self-titled EP. The 12-song album we have at hand now, was recorded using analog equipment only, and was engineered/ produced by one Joe Reineke (whom also plays additional guitar on a coupe of tracks). More additional guest performers on the album include Mark Fredson (playing piano, organ, or clavinet on 7 of the album's songs), and sax player Paul Fessenden and trumpetist David George handle the “horn section” during the track “Slow Fade” (which, when I first heard it, I took to be a cover, so uncannily alike a '60s song as it was...but then I found out it was a Hamel original...as are all other songs).

The album certainly did not get its title out of thin air, for although SKM has been fittingly described as Roots Rock or Southern Rock, the knowing listener will recognize moments where the late '60s “British Invasion”, the '70s era “Jam” band, or even early '80s Metal are found fleeting into the music. And these guys make it all sound good! But with a singer who's got a little whine in his slightly nasal voice, the overall Southern Rock is certainly justified. Bands with similar sounds (so stated at the band's MySpace page...and I agree completely with the comparisons) are Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd (most definitely), James Gang, Steve Miller Band, Kings Of Leon, and the Allman Brothers, to name but a few. On that same page (myspace.com/sweetkissmomma), you'll only find one song posted, so in order to sample not only a few songs more...but the complete album...log onto (www.) skmband.com. Check it out, and you'll understand why this band has been getting nothing else but positive reactions to their debut album!

90/100 - Concreteweb.be (Belgium)

Written by James McQuiston

“Revival Rock” is exactly that. The cuts from this album are such that listeners will feel that they are in a different time, but with a small twist. SweetKiss Momma is able to have the bluesy style of a CCR or Guess Who, but has enough talent to make current listeners fall in love with the band. By crossing over between two distinct sets of listeners, “Revival Rock” can speak to young, old, and to fans of a wide variety of rock music.

“Strange Fire” is a ballsy track for SweetKiss Momma. This is due to the fact that while the band has successfully brought listeners in with both “Mercy Love” and “Rocket Ride”, the length of “Strange Fire” may be a little on the intimidating side. However, the great thing about SweetKiss Momma has to be the sheer grit and determination that they place into the creation of every track. “Strange Fire” may thus be a long track, but a style based off a “Tuesday’s Gone” or “Free Bird”-era Lynyrd Skynyrd ultimately makes this a hit. Furthermore, rather than merely working off a formula that works, the inclusion of a more psychedelic rock sound showcases a uniqueness to SweetKiss Momma’s sound that continues throughout all 12 tracks here.

“Ounce Left of Pride” may just be the best of all tracks here. The soulful vocals are matched by an equally-virtuosic guitar line, while the splashiness of the drums ensure that this track is forever tattooed on the hearts of anyone lucky enough to listen in. “Revival Rock” ends with “Slow Fade”, a short little dirty that nevertheless contains a ton of emotion. Little more is needed for the opening of this track than a man and a guitar, and while the song gets a little more instrumentation, this close-knit feel acts as a perfect ending for what is truly a rockin’ title.

Top Tracks: Mercy Love, Ounce Left of Pride

Rating: 8.1/10 - Neufutur Magazine (USA)

Written by Dom Daley

Roots rock anyone? Hmm...in a world where bad band names are becoming the norm, I guess I shouldn't be at all surprised with 'Sweetkiss Momma' should I? Anyway, it's only a name. Let's not let that cloud my judgement as I ease the disc into the player and brace myself.

'Ready To Go' gets things off to a start and has a wailing wah-wah and some decent riffing happening. So this is 'roots rock' then (even it is one of the worst names I've come across). In fairness there is enough dirt in these here grooves to keep me interested past the band name and album title. Yeah, it's Southern rock-ish but when you look inside this record a little there are some pretty decent songs on offer.

The singer reminds me of Nicky Moore from Samson (obviously not that good, but there are similarities in there). 'Son Of The Mountain' has a vibe of mid-career Black Crowes about it, even if I haven't got a clue what Jeff Hamel is singing about - tree hugging and all that, it sort of fits the bill that these would be compared to the brothers Robinson and I'm sure their influence has rubbed off somewhat with, again, some decent riffing going on on the track. I perked up when 'Slow Fade' chilled in with some nice gob iron honking from Jeff Hamel as the song sort of slinks in on a laid back melody with some lazy backbeat and good arrangement of trumpet and sax that compliment a very decent and unexpected song. Having now caught my attention 'Mercy Love' then shuffles in with some decent guitar work licking the song into shape. 'Strange Fire' comes in on a lingering organ chord bringing with it a passing resemblance to 'Drift Away' but sort of cruising on for six minutes - a little long in my humble opinion.

Some nice sounds on 'Sugar In The Raw' as it swaggers through the speakers. 'Come Clean' reminds me of Counting Crows, it's that sort of easy Southern rock vibe. I definitely enjoyed moments on this album but there is a little something lacking, that X Factor I guess, even if there are elements of the Black Crowes in here it's the period of the Crowes when they lost their way a little if I'm honest.

I'm sure fans of Southern/roots rock would put me straight on what I consider to be the dull period of the Black Crowes' career but Sweetkiss Momma have released an album that will have said fans queueing around the block to get a piece, but I can't see it converting non believers into the fold. - Uberrock.co.uk (UK)

(translated via google translate)
Written by Michael Brinkschulte

The album name says it all. The band comes up with Rock, who is moving in initial orbits. The songs are all well fed and get instrumented with similar sound that accompanies the voice of singer Jeff Hamel well. The five men from the U.S., specifically from the State of Washington, bringing with American roots rock, is created in the twelve songs in an atmosphere of harmonica, guitar, drums and driving bass. Of more forward-songs like "ready to go" and "son often he mountain", the band alternates with "slow fade" supports create a calmer waters to by guest musician with trumpet and saxophone, a very different mood, then through the next, rhythmically driving song is changed again.
Here is a band at work, the white is what she wants. Rock, originally, yet to date!
7 out of 10!! - Der-hoerspiegel.de (Germany)

Very good American Southern Rock band, worth checking out. - Rock-n-Heavy Maniac - Blog (Brazil)

They shared the stage with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers and Black Crowes, gathering support and delighted audiences. It is clear that Sweetkiss Momma (the name is not exactly the best) are dedicated, body and soul to southern rock, dall'altronde come from a rural area like the state of Washington. "Rock Revival" is an example, the sound of Momma Sweetkiss is as 'real' and you can listen directly, shovel electric blues, Southern rock, soul and some taste of a credible singer Jeff Hamel: major influences Negro of his voice. The production is warm and deep but, more importantly, brings the tools in a natural way, guitar, bass, drums, Hammond and harmonica played as if they were in the pub downstairs. The American quintet has edited the first person in each phase of registration, achieving excellent results and also finds trade, saw strong sales so far attained through specialized channels. Whether or not the bank of the Mississippi given a listen to the American group, because apart from the usual, historical names, gender did not offer much in the news in recent years. "Rock Revival" contains several passages which exalt: southern rock strikes again!

Sons of the Mountain - Metallus.it (Italy)

Jeff Hamel is the lead singer of the southern rock band Sweet Kiss Momma and I can tell you that it´s so important to have the right man for the job like in this case with the 5 piece Sweet Kiss Momma. Jeff has a great voice and performs with both passion and soul, I grew up listening to lots of classic rock and some of the bands in my collection were southern rock artists like The Allman Brothers and Molly Hatchet. The album "Revival rock" is another fine album in the same genre where the band deliver a great groove and I find myself diggin along to most tracks. Good stuff! - Melodic.net (Sweden)

SWEETKISS MOMA is a new band from the US state of Washington and they play Classic American Southern Hardrock, not far removed from LYNYRD SKYNYRD, yet with a slight rawer edge. The band’s debut CD ‘Revival rock’ is a real must-have for fans of this genre, because it is all done vey well. Not groundbreaking, but definitely an album that will be loved by any fan of pure Southern Hardrock. Check out the band at: www.skmband.com

(Points: 8.0 out of 10) - Strutter Magazine (Holland)

We came out somewhere as a Southern rock fan, then quickly throws some sly, of course, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, MOLLY HATCHET, and perhaps even the BLACK CROWES one, only to emphasize natural that the Southern rock is dead, but eh. In this standard procedure is absolutely ridiculous, because this scene is alive as ever and always brings out great bands that the aging heroes of Southern rock often inferior in nothing, except just that they carry their standard in the present day. Currently, sweetkiss MOMMA turn up in Puyallup near Seattle to bring their idea of rock music to the people.

Although the album title is somewhat misleading, can be more like 70's Classic Rock think, but sweetkiss MOMMA go to "Rock Revival" very open to work, so then it somehow fits. The band describes their style very well: "... a blend of Frampton Comes Alive meets Lynyrd Skynyrd with a helping of CCR's Green River and a splash of North West Seasoning. The majority of the sound turns traditional Southern Rock, which is affected very significantly by early LYNYRD SKYNYRD, the impact on the guitar work, melodies, vocals and the atmosphere is unmistakable. Instead of some current colleagues to make tough and cool and spread rather dingy saloon feel, there is a real cowboy romance and the feeling of wide open spaces and endless highways. The ballad "Strange Fire" sounds so by LYNYRD SKYNYRD, sentimental sunset mood spread on the wooden porch, there is melting each and every Cowboy Cowgirl gone. Here and there are tunes that actually make with the ease of a well-chilled Southern Comfort thinking something to the Californians Creedence Clearwater Revival, raising a little early-70s mood. As the guys from sweetkiss MOMMA have dug neatly in Papa's record box and pulled out the way PETER FRAMPTON discs. The double live album "Frampton Comes Alive" by the English (including Humpl PIE) should be in every way, Classic Rock Collection! But it is really cool if sweetkiss MOMMA as with hard-grooving rocker Shuffle "Mercy Love" by the Canadian boogie-rockers Bachman Turner Overdrive sound with aufgehübscht ALLMAN BROTHERS fluffy melodies. Knows the song now all dead, thanks to heavy rotation for unrestrained volume. But loose swinging good mood-rockers like "Slow Fade", Southern hard rockers like "Son Of The Mountain" and closing ballad companions such as "Come Clear sings" now the whole neighborhood with errors. Toward the end, may perhaps not every song boundless enthusiasm, but it does definitely "Rock Revival" powerful fun. All kinds of guests to spice up the songs with horns, honky tonk piano, organ and more, absolutely nothing is new here, but tried and tested reacted really well. The whole suit comes in the warm analog sound recordings, without sounding too old fashioned.

Is Elvis really dead? Or Bruce Lee, or the gray male from the era of 51? I do not really matter, the Southern Rock is not in any event. And we owe strong bands such as sweetkiss MOMMA. Classic rockers can and especially Southern freaks safely access, the easiest way to Just For Kicks. - Vampster.com (Germany)

(translation via Google Translate)

Puyallup is a backwater in the U.S. state of Washington and is half an hour's drive from Seattle. The name of this city you have to remember not necessarily in contrast to the band name sweetkiss MOMMA, at least if one hand, classic rock with a southern flair and is at times the discs of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and Creedence Clearwater Revival hangs like.

The aforementioned quintet has his first album "Rock Revival" is a record recorded with the old-fashioned, but at the same time as timeless sounds pleasant. The basis of the whole Southern rock, quite naturally you can also Soul (including brass inserts in "Slow Fade"), funk (the crunchy opener "Ready To Go"), Rock'n'Roll ("Mercy Love" "Sweet Little Thing"), blues ("To Help A Man") and even hard rock of the 80-year flow, but exaggerates it in "Sugar In The Raw" a little with the talk box inserts. Two campfire oozing romance, ballad songs ("Strange Fire," "Come Clean") also have their place. Most persuasion and with the solid-organ pimped "Rocket Ride", the total is strong the songwriting of sweetkiss MOMMA appealing, but unspectacular.

Singer Jeff Hamel has a pleasant voice that sometimes reminds a little of Stefan Raab's pupil Max Mutzke. It is a total of three guitars to work, what is now perceived not mandatory, but most know the game by lead guitarist Aaron Arnold to please. The sound of "Rock Revival" is earthy and natural, so the album is pleasant to hear really.

CONCLUSION: innovative and exciting of course quite different, larger criticisms are on "Rock Revival" not apparent, however, so for fans of the genre is here to issue a recommendation.

-Andreas Schulz - Musikreviews.de (Germany)

(translation via Google Translate)

Puyallup is a backwater in the U.S. state of Washington and is half an hour's drive from Seattle. The name of this city you have to remember not necessarily in contrast to the band name sweetkiss MOMMA, at least if one hand, classic rock with a southern flair and is at times the discs of LYNYRD SKYNYRD and Creedence Clearwater Revival hangs like.

The aforementioned quintet has his first album "Rock Revival" is a record recorded with the old-fashioned, but at the same time as timeless sounds pleasant. The basis of the whole Southern rock, quite naturally you can also Soul (including brass inserts in "Slow Fade"), funk (the crunchy opener "Ready To Go"), Rock'n'Roll ("Mercy Love" "Sweet Little Thing"), blues ("To Help A Man") and even hard rock of the 80-year flow, but exaggerates it in "Sugar In The Raw" a little with the talk box inserts. Two campfire oozing romance, ballad songs ("Strange Fire," "Come Clean") also have their place. Most persuasion and with the solid-organ pimped "Rocket Ride", the total is strong the songwriting of sweetkiss MOMMA appealing, but unspectacular.

Singer Jeff Hamel has a pleasant voice that sometimes reminds a little of Stefan Raab's pupil Max Mutzke. It is a total of three guitars to work, what is now perceived not mandatory, but most know the game by lead guitarist Aaron Arnold to please. The sound of "Rock Revival" is earthy and natural, so the album is pleasant to hear really.

CONCLUSION: innovative and exciting of course quite different, larger criticisms are on "Rock Revival" not apparent, however, so for fans of the genre is here to issue a recommendation.

-Andreas Schulz - Musikreviews.de (Germany)

(translation via google translate)

But, "Rock Revival" may, no, we must recommend. Not because the album title, "Rock Revival" is a rather perverse name, but because of the music. And because of the sound. And because of the following image, which was definitely not "included elsewhere in the U.S.," but guaranteed in the deep south. Presumably in the deep south of Bavaria, south of Bad Tolz, where the beautiful Isar river is still wild and pristine.

Agreed, Bad Tölz (17 635 inhabitants) in this case in the state of Washington near Seattle and is called Puyallup (18 870 households and a few more people and in the same county as Tacoma, where the best Southern-band of the modern era came: REBEL STORM), but the first is totally irrelevant, because sweetkiss MOMMA is not a big band, these five is a case for us nature lovers - from the south or east, possibly even from the northwest. Sweetkiss MOMMA is not a cover band, like so many of us superior (mostly older) bands from the American Province. Sweetkiss MOMMA five halfway young guys who can perhaps be called with the attribute "conservative values", intone in any event not as dumb retro-joke characters, the silly, such as bread Sweet Home Alabama, ignoring that they arrive from Washington and with Alabama usually have to do as much as we Southerners from Bavaria with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Oh, yes, cover band. Slow Fade is of course a very bold adaptation of Games People Play, but unlike the version of the GEORGIA SATELLITES will not be here trying the boogie, the smart Mamasöhnchen make a small-town reggae with trumpet, saxophone and lead guitar from Sunrise. Naughty, but saugut. And if they Shuffling, as in Love Mercy, and if it turns up a guitar from the Fuzz'n'Wah-wah-fog, and even then ... you wait only adds to the clavinet, which howls a small but very nasty solo.

Right up there, the colleague, who incidentally comes from the heart of Germany, with its objection relating to the sound of the CD. Analog is already, but you have to make damn loud, so that it meets one in the stomach. On the other hand we are talking about Rock & Roll, who hears the quiet please? So slider to the right, then moves to the chapel and tidy. Why "Rock Revival" not under the headphones work, is still unexplored. It will probably be a matter of record budget. The thing really just pops right with the big boxes cutlery at the neighborhood level. But then powerful.
Ballads such as Strange Fire, To Help A Man or Come Clean to pop at all, since last the very tasteful dresser way the songs and subtle guitars, already has one classical American rock music with a beautiful melody, like the style of the southern states, always without the mounted Country-yowling. The lead vocals by Jeff Hamel is consistently pleasant and unobtrusive, the use of two rhythm guitars for solo guitar by Aaron Arnold proves to be a supportive measure pressure and the almost continuous addition of keyboardist Mark Fredson complements the songs perfectly. Come then add some small gadgets like the talkbox in Sugar In The Raw, it is absolutely timeless rock jewels that come from a strong audible band. In this respect, the album title itself leads ad absurdum, because good music has nothing to do with a revival, with a maximum of skill and taste.

A small point of criticism is the fact that stable in the second half of the CD the tempo decreases. Only one or two brisk numbers such as Ready To Go or Sweet Little Thing (famous guitar!) You would want. On the other hand most of the songs have enough depth to compensate for the lack of velocity with pressure. Son Of The Mountain is not a speed-rocker, but advanced thanks to the clever arrangements for the climax of "Rock Revival". Ergo: a candid recommendation. But only for people who stand unconditionally on rock music, although perfectly including the sound is devoid of modernist influences, but does not sound like A, B, C, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, but rather attaches to other young bands such as MEDUSA STONE. Listen Rocket Ride, this is not just funky and could be sung by good old Randy Bachman, it's also occurred to any other band ever. - Home of Rock (Germany)

(translation via google translate)

Great name for a group, that if, in English, as translated by Besitos Mami is not very rock. An album for lovers of good Southern Rock, half way between the Drive By Truckers and the Crowes. Classic songs but with a something, a feeling that causes the difference between them and the many bands of the style. Her debut album is appropriately called "Rock Revival." To enjoy it. - zapatosrockeros.com (Spain)

(translation via google translate)

What an impressive debut! A young quintet from the Pierce County in the U.S. state of Washington town of Puyallup lie sets off the earthy, soulful Classic Guitar Rock "of the first half of seventies, and the deep-rooted in the southern states, full of wit, freshness in conveying passion and authenticity to the present. The verdict in advance: They succeed simply terrific! "Rock Revival is called" the famous, first album of sweetkiss Momma - and the name of the work is program. 3 (!) Guitars, bass and drums's needs, now and then still a blessed keyboard accompaniment (guest musician Mark Fredson), a healthy dose of nonchalance, unquestionable technical skills, spirit, inspiration and the right feel for the right songs ( the lion's share of the pieces was composed by singer / guitarist Jeff Hamel and lead guitarist Aaron Arnold) to work out an album that would, it appeared 35 years ago, probably could have achieved cult status. Anyway, today should be cheered, for it is just a blessing that come up again and again young bands that the flags honest, classical (Southern) keep up rock music - and with such a quality. Yes, yes, we have sweetkiss Momma's music initially described as "soulful Classic Guitar Rock," but we want to specify it a little. The influences of their music range from the late Sixties, through blues-influenced riff-rock (also of British origin), through classical roots and hard rock, 70's era-Jamrock up, and this is most clearly audible to the golden days of good, old Southern Rock. Pressing the In name, the range extends from bands like Led Zeppelin, The Faces and Free, about The James Gang, The Black Crowes, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band, Credence Clearwater Revival, to Foghat, Widespread Panic and, just to mention a similarly young, new band, Medusa Stone. The material is wonderfully retro in scene, sounding anything but dusty ", but is equipped with the necessary dose of freshness and originality that it takes to be this great" Mugge "to establish firmly in the present day. Sweetkiss Momma play a splendid one hand, very varied, well larded of musical finesse, very straight on the other, marked by no-frills compact, always plenty of room for instrumental guitar excursions offered, powerful rock 'n' roll, before the joy of playing only as sprays. Backed by a great groove, the whole is dominated by a beautifully lush, broad guitar presence, which finds its highlights again and again in magnificent, dirty and exhilarating solos. These complement the two guitarists Waid Hoyt and the leading Lead guitarist Aaron Arnold (sometimes a little reminiscent of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Allen Collins) completely superb (the third guitar is from the excellent singer Jeff Hamel contributed). These are all excellent musicians! Fats, dynamic, straight riffs and a bluesy, very spicy wah wah lead guitar are the main indicators of the burly opener "Ready to go", which immediately reveals these wonderful Seventies Retro Classic rock sound with his southern-rock and jammigen atmosphere the band throughout the album such a rousing revival brought. Class song, a strong melody and in the middle a fiery wah wah solo! Has something of The Black Crowes, maybe a little of Drivin 'N' Cryin ', a hint of Gov't Mule and the riffs of the legendary James Gang to Joe Walsh. Above all, the number of fire! As the subsequent, haunting "Son of the Mountain"! In this bold, powernden Rocker holds, although in the footsteps of Led Zeppelin riffs can be identified, a neat, "smoking" Southern rock feel feeder. Massive, phlegmatic, heavy electric guitars, which produce a delicious Southern-board, and a good outgoing, "galloping" dynamics are a spicy balance that creates their money. A great Melodie, subtle organ fills and a Wet Willie Blue Sharp-moderate complement the whole. Wonderful! After the class of a radio-groove worn, yet very pleasing Roots rocker "Slow fade," follows a very tight Faces-like riffs tipped rocker called "Mercy love", shortly after the start of an animal Southern boogie-Drive and a great Jam-feeling developed. Outgoing Lynyrd Slynyrd take ignite very southern-oriented Foghat and a huge seething, swampiges climate. Despite the humidity and the filth of rootsy song stands out with a very fluid dynamics. Special flavor and elevated temperature produces a burning, zwirbelnde, glowing hot, rough and sharp staged, wonderfully playful, this very "alr" sounding lead guitar. Great! The animal solo in the middle is "pure southern. Also the following, melodic, riffige "Rocket Ride" "smells" fully in accordance with Southern Rock (roaring Slide in break, great organ accompaniment), reflecting the gorgeous melodic, stocked with gorgeous transparent electric guitars, very harmonious ballad " Strange fire "(again beautiful organ-addition) almost more true. Rich, dynamic, gas from a well-giver rhythm driven forward, classic Riff.Rock, of course, again the bluesy Southern rock-plowed ground - Barchen Records (Germany)

(translated via google translate)

The Southern Rock is back on the rise, or at least that's the impression I have after seeing so many young bands recreating that classic blend of Rock, Country, and Blues.

Sweet Kiss Momma is another of those new bands that walk among Southern Rock as if they had a lifetime doing it, and perhaps so, because it is clear that these guys have been raised among the old records of Skynyrd and The Allman Bros., and also the not so old Black Crowes and Drive By Truckers.

With this very appropriately titled debut "Rock Revival", they are not trying to revolutionize the music world, much less, they want to present a good time to all those who enjoy the sounds. Songs like the original "Ready To Go" or "Mercy Love" are in the purest style of the Black Crowes (for me the best tracks on the album) show you that these guys are capable of looking face to face, without complex, other bands in the genre.

Perhaps the only downside that I find is: "Slow Fade" a song that sounds like Peter Frampton, and clashes with southern flair of the rest, otherwise an outstanding debut.


El Southern Rock vuelve a estar en auge o por lo menos esa es la impresión que tengo después de ver tantas bandas noveles como veo recreando esa clásica ya mezcla de Rock, country y Blues.

Sweet Kiss Momma es otra de esas nuevas bandas que se pasean por el Southern Rock como si llevaran toda la vida haciéndolo y quizás sea asi, porque esta claro que estos tipos se han criado entre los viejos discos de los Skynyrd y los Allman Bros. asi como de los no tan viejos Black Crowes y Drive By Truckers.

Con este debut titulado muy apropiadamente “Revival Rock” no es que vayan a revolucionar el mundo de la música, ni mucho menos, pero si que harán pasar muy buen rato a todos aquellos que disfrutan con estos sonidos. Canciones como la inicial “Ready To Go” o “Mercy Love” al mas puro estilo de los Cuervos Negros (para mi los mejores temas del disco) te demuestran de lo que son capaces estos muchachos, de mirar cara a cara y sin complejos a otras bandas del genero.

Quizás la única pega que le encuentro a este trabajo es “Slow Fade” una canción con un sonido a lo Peter Frampton que desentona con el aire sureño del resto, por lo demás un debut de sobresaliente. - Broken Bones Rock Magazine (Spain)

(translation via google translate)

A friend of mine sells vintage, second hand (yes, clearly man - hence the name! Reclaimed) and. The other day one with him a Triumph TR3 bought, built sometime in the 50s. Two days later he rises in the workshop of my friend from his Benz 300 and complains about the Triumph, on account of poor road holding, suspension, steering, and anyway, that thing leads so straight ahead not at all, and only the air - what the fuck the should? My friend said: "Pass ma 'on, Sägger, this is a car from the 50s. Refurbished, reconditioned, but just with the technology from the 50s. Your Benz is today, so of course better - but that is retro, vintage , and so on. That you knew that! "

He's right - and because we live in today (at times to the subject of music), let us rejoice in the possibilities of modern studio technology offers to tinker with sounds and improved. And use das.
Now there is the pure doctrine, which says, the old is better, somehow. The warm sound, which comes as the use of the good old tube equipment and analog anything else about, who was so good, and preferable, because: The Real Thing dehumanized, so human in all this world
I was probably the first that has cheered loudly when the CD came up: no Geknackse crackle and more, the CD is relatively insensitive to temperature - wonderful! No need wiping off the dust on each side before playing, no tons porous plate - which had to be heaven. And then also this wonderfully clear and direct sound. Veeery great!

Consequently, leaves me a note on this CD that the old analog technology was used, rather cold, and yes, I fear bad - but more about the same.
It is the debut of a band from Elsewhere in the U.S., and the CD title is, of course program. Retro Sounds par excellence, songwriting, as expected - melodic, in the Classic Rock style, with nice guitar solos and also once decorated an organ. No eternally long jams - the longest title is six minutes long - short and crisp to the point. What could the world be beautiful.

And, in fact - songs such as "Sweet Little Thing, Ounce Left Of Pride and Sugar In The Raw with nice wah-wah guitar rock deposit somewhere between SKYNYRD, early phase, and CCR quite well, and also the eingangsprogrammatische Ready To Go firing on all six cylinders, though there is a little long. Not to mention the Soul Hit Slow Fade opposed them, but to me, if I would be Joe South and had written the book Games People Play, somehow very familiar. The rest of hops with more or less the same rhythm as before him, without further attention.

But even those songs have now does not overheat and reach around to the songs of the guys at Zach Williams ran not far from it. The problem is that is analogous with the following stuff: mediocre songs like the sweetkiss fall on here. Do you have a relatively indistinct sound, which somehow lacks the necessary drive, helps all the warmth of nothin '- what you can do with a sharp Digi-production on the part of competition is here to back you. And do not get nothing with 'honest' - help me if I honestly do not like the plate because it lacks the sharp rock.

The Stripped of modern productions with all the loudness and the Einheitssoundbrei did not want the guys? Well, do fine - but then you have what the song writing. Now is not totally bad, the CD, and anyone who likes these warm tones which it is strongly encouraged to use, but may be a candid recommendation not me. - Home of Rock (Germany)

(translation via google translate)


That the '70s have been a vital crossroads of extraordinary creativity and excitement for the music, especially the Rock in all its many nuances, it is clear and evident to any fan.
Really hard to believe even for a moment the quantity, quality and variety of artists and musical styles born in those years really magical and perhaps unique.

That extraordinary musical moment indelibly marked the Rock to the present day and inevitably will do it for the rest of music history in my opinion, and many artists have done and will do the heavy music and fascinating reference.

An example of this musical legacy partially adapted to modern music comes from a new group that I discovered recently, Sweet Kiss Momma, a quintet of neighborhoods in Seattle, an area of great musical traditions, which came a few weeks ago to debut CD entitled " Rock Revival ", the title is exceptionally revealing of their nature and style of music.

The sound brought by SKM is difficult to classify because it is a great mix of sounds from blues rock, southern rock roots and in part but the whole atmosphere and packed with a '70s sound, and thus textures are beautiful rock / blues Ready to Go in the opening track of the album with scratchy guitars and wah-wah effects fascinating, hints of psychedelia in Son of the Mountain where the bass and drums create an excellent sound carpet in the middle of the track before a final harmonica solo, while there is almost displaced the third track, Slow Fade, which may remind some production pop / rock british 80s.

Mercy Love us back on tracks decidedly rock-trespassing in Southern Rock, as the next Rocket Ride and concluding To Help a Man, a beautiful and poignant ballad with a carpet of harmonious especially attractive southern more than ever.

A long and fun album with 12 tracks of enjoyable and interesting for the variety of themes and musical styles while maintaining a proposed stamp fascinating vintage rock with the type of incision used to return their analog entirely all the charms of sound "dirty" and directed typical of '70s rock, like to keep stress in the internal notes of the CD.

A great voice, scratchy guitars and inspired, rhythmic bass and drums make this excellent and incisive new group really interesting and enjoyable for all fans of rock and roll in general and sound with clear references to rock 70s , Rock Revival note.

I conclude by thanking the band for his support and friendship. - Southern Spirit Music Blog (Italy)

(translation via google translator)

There is a new quintet from nearby Seattle with the memorable name SweetKiss Momma. Memorable is not only the band’s name but also the music. They get their charm out of Southern Rock. But this genre is not the pure device of their songwriting. The compositions, mainly written by Aaron Arnold and Jeff Hamel, have got some more nice other roots.

"Revival Rock" again is an example for how pure physical sound waves of the guitars and other instruments can activate chemical processes in your body. Hormones of comfort are poured out and they dance happily even if common suspects like Lynyrd Skynyrd have to be named. But it not only rocks in all southern cylinders but Sweetkiss Momma disperses the good old feeling from the british isle like spray, too. And they also got the Blues in their luggage. The Blues is not only delivered through the harp.

With three guitarists in their line-up they can really rock hard. Not enough of that the band invited competent backing into the Orbit Audio. On over half of the tracks Mark Fredson collaborates on some keyboard instruments and "Slow Fade" is enriched by David George's trumpet and Paul Fessenden on saxophone. Here the atmosphere is a bit more calm with some Soul around.

With that said this number isn't alone. Straight afterwards "Mercy Love" delivers a crispy shufflegroove with fuzzy rocking guitars rolling along the catwalk. Of course the electric guitars are a gauarantee for much fun as they are played in an opulent way. In the twelve songd the guitars have all imaginable liberty and please the listener with their boundless playing. With his honky piano and tasteful organ riffs Fredson is a very good counterpiont to that.

As a singer Jeff Hamel is really strong and the chous, just listen to "Strange Fire", is very good, too. With it's six minutes this ballade pricks up one's ears. The constantly played riffs from the electric guitars powered by a mighty drum rhythm climb up a steep rock face. With their guitar solos they reach a plain near the horizon. SweetKiss Momma has taken the Rock'n'Roll at rent.

The guitar effects sometimes are delivered by the wah wah. In "Sugar In The Raw" the combo mixes Southern Rock with a dash of Blues in the groovy parts the sound of the guitar is spiced up by a talk box like known fron Peter Frampton. A showpiece of song! In contrast "Come Clean" might not ignaite like that. In return at the end of the record "To Help A Man" is a glamorous piece of ballad which isn't manipulated and sounds so familiar.

Not that long ago I reviewed 3 Mile Stone, and those who liked their music won't have problems with this record. Ones who have listened to the opening duo "Ready To Go" and "Son Of The Mountain" will quicken their appetite and be hungry to listen to more good spiced Southern Rock through the following songs.

During writing the following words I'll again and again listen to "Mercy Love" and "Sugar In The Raw": With "Revival Rock" SweetKiss Momma has got a very solid grounding for hopefully following records. The band has concentrated the listeners attension and that is he main piont in their compeletly analog recorded music. - ROCKTIMES (Germany)

(translated via google translator)

One or the other may certainly understand it as easy and entertaining a road trip can be when the right sound is running. Nothing could be more suitable than Roots and Southern Rock. Like a push - whatever! Kiesl frame advance? Not care. Oh, obsolete in a reckless way traffic? Is not care 'are going, far right, the square in the middle just enough. So do not care ...
Besides Reviewer beloved Southern rockers bands like the Bottle Rockets, Cross Canadian Ragweed, or the venerable Drive-By Truckers play in such traffic situations, the first part. If then the sun shines, that window is runtergekurbelt and blows the old cast iron heart from an oil and flags in the passenger compartment, then actually still makes driving fun!
For those small joys you may now report a further, highly recommended band from near Seattle's. Generally this is County, although for a different genre, that thrive there, but here and there really good Roots Rocker is with sweetkiss MOMMA proved once again.

The five from Puyallup / WA presents with "Rock Revival" is an album that blends seamlessly with the output of the above-mentioned bands. With Ready To Go and Son Of The Mountain Boys are the same bolts times two Kracher right around the ears. Fat electrically, with pressure and tidy Drive. In some moment the sound reminds flatly to the olle JAMES GANG with Walsh at the guitar. Totally easy and a corridor running back can go on with Slow Fade. The song combines an easy-Caribbean groove with fine brass section and a concise lead guitar. Cheeky cheeky and Love Mercy booms from the speakers. A blend of raucous Southern rock, and a shovel Alt.Country Retro. Times do you hear LYN SKYN, WHITE COWBELL OKLAHOMA times and sometimes Creedence Clearwater. More pearls of the band with Rocket Ride and Sugar In The Raw succeeded - both par Exellance Roots Rock!

In essence, one might take a few more songs with relish apart and earned with (!) describe flowery words. The disc has hardly a failure! Well, for two or three numbers from the middle of the CD the boys ever drifting off into the eternal Swamp of retro rock and some hook and line of text may be quite as familiar. But none of these really bad songs. At most, they act like an even longer standing beer. Still cold, but without foam. But even that is' relatively - for example, the Englishman's drinks with great pleasure that the only way ...! ;-)
Overall, the band leaves behind a growing impression. Jeff Hamel has a really good song writers in their ranks. Songs like the Long Track Strange Fire, or the magnificent "bouncer" To Help A Man really should say everything about the qualities of sweetkiss MOMMA. Such Takes Leave the BOTTLE ROCKETS not every day!
"Revival Rock sprays" before the game consistently fun, great riffs and a lot of nice hooks. Storms happy times with all due hardness front, but also slows down for a couple of beautiful, melancholic and melancholic moments. Seasoned with finely played Harp, an integrated class Hohner clavinet and trumpet or saxophone. If it's actually sometimes slips into the arbitrariness, then at least still in style. And so the bottom line remains the one album all around fun. Not only at the reins on winding country roads ...!



Christian "Just Grisu", (the Product), 08/01/2010 - Hooked on Music (Germany)

(translated via goole translator)

Southern rock is back. That is of course the case since the debut of Black Crowes and that's been a nice time ago, nevertheless it is striking that the last time regularly pop bands that the genre alive to the present. What to think of such Momma Sweet Kiss, which debuts with the great Revival (self management). The band is from Washington state, in the northwest of America is. Southern rock that is not reserved for rednecks has already been proven by The Whipsaws even further north from Alaska. The band has three guitarists Aaron Arnold (lead guitar, vocals), Waid Hoyt (guitar, vocals) and Jeff Hamel (vocals, guitar, harmonica). Hamel and Arnold are the main songwriters. Sweet Little Thing, they have a song written for stamping on the floor bent over to play air guitar. Beautiful work with interlocking guitar lines. As in Southern rock, it may be set for the day are pretty funky. Especially in Love Mercy, with keyboards, guitars and a break in the style of James Gang. Have a nice revival of the seventies, with the wah-wah guitar-flavored piece, even though God is Good Woman more like Red Hot Chili Peppers. Available at CD Baby. - Alt Country Magazine (The Netherlands)