It's been a whirlwind week in the world of classic rock, and our latest Tracks Of The Week tournament has brought an exciting lineup of artists to the forefront. The winner of the competition is Crossbone Skully, a Def Leppard-inspired band led by the legendary Alice Cooper guitarist, Tommy Henriksen. Their triumph is celebrated with a victory parade, and Phil Collen joins them, adding to the excitement. But the competition was fierce, with Jack J Hutchinson's 'Rise Again' narrowly securing the minor medals, besting The Pineapple Thief's 'New World Order'.
This week's lineup continues to showcase the diverse and vibrant nature of classic rock. Green Lung's 'Black Magick Radio' is a gothy, London-inspired track that pays homage to the occult rock genre. The band's love letter to the genre is delivered with a kaleidoscope of cultish mischief, monstrous riffs, and a nod to '70s living room furniture. Spiders' 'Creature Of The Night' is a nostalgic rock'n'roller with a toe-tapping verse riff, an infectious energy, and a touch of Blondie in the chorus. It's a catchy and fast-paced track that showcases the band's raw and glitter-infused style.
Royal Blood's 'Ten Over Ten' is a heavy and pummelling track that showcases the band's evolution since 'Back To The Water Below'. They describe it as a faster and harder version of their music, and it's clear that they've been building up the revs for this album. Castle Rat's 'Dragon' is a medieval fantasy-inspired track that fuses Sabbathian sludge with 60s/70s psychedelia. The song is elevated by Riley 'The Rat Queen' Pinkerton's sumptuous vocals, providing a shot of riffy escapism that banishes the heatwave blues.
Sari Schorr's 'Mr. In The Middle' is a contemporary blues rock track with a killer lead guitar blast. It's a powerful and energetic song that showcases Schorr's vocals and a tasty guitar solo. Battlesnake's 'Mud Apocalypse' is a lo-fi alt rock approach with a surprising folky twist. It's a feast of blood-spurting, skull-crushing, and organ-squelching bravado, accompanied by down-tuned riffs and Queen-glittered twin lead guitars.
These Wicked Rivers' 'Sing Another Song' is a dulcet, countrified track with a swaying rhythm. It's a heart-warming song with gospelly backnotes and harmonies between Kezia Gill and John Hartwell. The Sixsters' 'Can You Believe It' is an effervescent mix of punk rock and pop rock, with a fun and playful energy. The band's fifth album, 'Ghost', is a testament to their talent and creativity.
This week's Tracks Of The Week tournament showcases the incredible talent and diversity within the classic rock genre. Each band brings their unique style and sound, contributing to the rich tapestry of rock music. As Polly, the deputy editor of Classic Rock magazine, notes, these artists are shaping the future of the genre while paying homage to its past. With their contributions to the magazine and other publications, Polly and her team are at the forefront of rock music journalism, providing insightful and engaging content for fans around the world.
