Post by jptheprofessor on Nov 13, 2005 22:33:40 GMT -5
WIDE OPEN – FIRST RIDE (no label) Philipsburg’s Wide Open first formed two years ago, uniting some area music veterans: guitarists/singers Matt Socoski and Vincent Youngbauer, drummer Spike Morelli and bassist Quinton Hughes. Spanning nine tracks, Wide Open’s first album, First Ride, is a celebration of motorcycles, women and rock and roll. The group’s affinity for motorcycles is obvious from the get-go, with loud Harley-Davidson thunder triggering the racing, action-packed album opener “Revin’ It Up.” Two instrumentals, the fast-flying rocker “Eat My Dust” and the tranquil album-closing guitar instrumental “End of the Ride,” also follow the riding theme. Bikes, women and double-entendre lyrical fun converge on two more bike-themed numbers, the anthemic rocker “Polish My Chrome” and “Twist the Grip.” Wide Open’s sound is tough, go-for-broke, anthemic guitar rock rooted in the traditions of classic Kiss, Ted Nugent and Scorpions. Matt Socoski and Vincent Youngbauer lay down blazing guitar work and gritty vocals throughout the album, while Spike Morelli’s powerful beats and Quinton Hughes’ booming bass work pack ample thunder behind the sound. Besides the obvious instrumental strength demonstrated here, Wide Open also shows a knack for melodies; each of these tunes is catchy and memorable. Recorded, engineered and produced by the band, First Ride sounds appropriately sharp, raw and powerful; giving the guitars clarity and bite, and fullness behind the rhythms. A thicker mix might have given this more punch, but the group still achieves ample impact with their do-it-yourself approach here. Bottom line: fans of muscular, hard-hitting, classic-styled heavy rock will find plenty to celebrate on First Ride; a loud and proud debut where Wide Open opens the throttle and lets it rip. (The album can be purchased at the group’s shows, or by contacting the band through their website, www.wideopenrocks.com.)