Album Review: Dirty Honey - Can't Find The Brakes
Reviewed by Lana Teramae
American rock band Dirty Honey are back with their second studio album, ‘Can’t Find the Brakes.’ With their vintage swagger and iconic mouth logo, they are one of the few bands out there leading the classic rock revival. They’ve opened up for acts such as Guns N’ Roses, The Black Crowes, Kiss, and Rival Sons, another band that’s part of the classic rock revival.
Dirty Honey’s self-titled debut album from 2021 was recorded through Zoom, with the band in Los Angeles and long-time producer Nick DiDia in Australia because of COVID-19 restrictions. This time, however, the band headed to Australia and recorded ‘Can’t Find the Brakes’ with DiDia present in the studio. The album title references the band’s constant life on the road, moving from place to place each day. The lineup that plays on the album includes Marc LaBelle on lead vocals, John Notto on guitars, Justin Smolian on bass guitar, and Jaydon Bean on drums. Bean replaced former drummer Corey Coverstone, who left earlier this year. ‘Can’t Find the Brakes’ will be released on November 3, 2023.
The album kicks off with “Don’t Put Out the Fire,” a funky tune with an infectious groove. The lead single, “Won’t Take Me Alive,” has such a tasteful guitar riff, a juicy bass line, and LaBelle’s vocals are incredible. The lyrics on “Dirty Mind” are really clever, filled with sexual innuendos, here and there. Besides the nasty guitar riff, the solo is one of the best solos on the whole album. “Get a Little High” gives off early Led Zeppelin vibes, partially due to LaBelle channeling Robert Plant on that one. It’s got funky drumwork, a nice southern guitar riff, and a brilliant bass line.
“Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire)” has a pretty acoustic guitar melody and it shows a softer side to LaBelle. “Satisfied” is a mid-tempo, groovy rocker with intricate drumwork from Bean. “You Make It All Right” is a soothing blues number, where LaBelle woos listeners with his controlled falsetto.
There’s an obvious chemistry between the group that’s impossible to deny. The musicianship is really tight and they sound revitalized, like they’re ready to take on the world again. DiDia’s production gives these songs a fresh and modern feel, while paying homage to the band’s influences. Overall, ‘Can’t Find the Brakes’ is an excellent sophomore album from Dirty Honey.
