Light up the World
Belfast rockers the Gasoline Outlaws release their second album ‘Light Up The World’. The band have self released the album and have had a whole host of problems getting it to this stage. They had a pledge music campaign set up which fell through, they got to the point where the download was ready to go out and the money from Pledge Music just wasn’t there. This didn’t deter them though, as they fronted their own money to ensure the album was finished and all the pledges were honoured.
And aren’t I glad they did. Light up the World is a stunning rock album. With vocals from Matt Fitzsimons, we find Adam Parkin on guitar, Chris Fitzsimons on bass and Ryan Hood on drums.
So what does this self funded, failed pledge campaign have in store for us? Ten tracks of pure bliss, that’s what! The album is a roller coaster going between fast singalong heavy rock anthems and slow acoustic ballads all led by Matt Fitzsimons and his truly fantastic voice.
The album opens with the title track and within the first few seconds you are pulled in and you know you’re in for a good time. The thumping drum beat that kicks the track off sets the pace for the rest of the song. An upbeat track which I’m sure will be a great show starter. The album continues at the same high octane pace for the second song, ‘Living this Way’.
The album changes pace somewhat at track 4 with rock ballad ‘where we started’. This is an all out, lighters in the air moment for Gasoline Outlaws. There is something slightly Stevie Nicks about Matt’s vocal delivery on this song. He has such power, but has a softness about him too. A wonderfully executed guitar solo from Adam Parkin complements the song as well, though I would have liked him to go a bit longer as there is certainly space to increase his solo time within the mood of the track. Perhaps he will extend it for live performances.
Executed is another great song and yet another change of pace. It is an acoustic ballad. I love the vulnerability of this song. The song includes John McCullough backing Matt and a single acoustic guitar on piano. Matt’s melodic vocal talents are perfect for this song.
The album comes to a close with ‘Hard Times’, another hard hitting rock ballad, complete with yet another brilliant guitar part played by Adam. Again, I felt he was holding back with his solo, I want more, perhaps in the live shows.
To conclude, Gasoline Outlaws are an exciting new rock act. The pairing of Adam Parkin and Matt Fitzsimons is a match made in heaven and the rhythm section is second to none. You boys have something special. A band that I simply HAVE to see live.
