I have the incredible honor of reviewing the EP “This Ain’t Art” from Gloucester City, NJ-- The Warhawks. This entire EP, let me tell you, gave me straight classic rock vibes throughout the whole thing. Even as a 90’s kid my respect for these bands that I compare their individual songs has never wavered. From classic bands such as The Beach Boys all the way to Poison, The Warhawks have outdone themselves when embracing classic rock influences and making themselves a sound of their own. They are composed of brothers John and Pat Bilodeau, Cousin Matt Orlando, and family friend Tom Lipski. With several accolades under their belt after the release of their debut album Never Felt So Good in January of 2019 they earned notoriety, and this EP is bound to put them at the forefront of a downright international explosion.
Track 1: (I Wanna Go to) California
This track opens with some acapella influence from a song by The Beach Boys titled “Good Vibrations.” It has a very 1970’s psychedelic rock vibe, and I am LOVING it! The guitar on this song has an incredible vibe of spending summertime at a beautiful beach along the west coast with drinks in hand! This easy, breezy opening is the perfect way to open up a stunning vacation that you will never forget! One word to describe this track would be carefree.
Track 2: On My Way
This second track comes in faster, with the guitar being reminiscent of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades.” It brings that same vibe as you’d get in a casino when you're having whiskey on the rocks and taking part in gambling! I could very easily see myself headbanging to this track at a show. I have been to concerts held in casinos before and they are so much more fun than arena-based performances. It’s a perfect marriage of intimacy with fans, yet big enough to get yourself a proper crowd as a performer. The song clocks in at two minutes and 16 seconds which is the shortest track on the entire EP. Pat is narrating as someone who obviously just won the jackpot of said bet and now he and his Significant Other want to go and celebrate that win, which is what she wants. The drumming on this track is of an absolutely golden standard! One word to describe this song would be playful.
[PHOTOSENSITIVITY WARNING]
Track 3: The Spirit of Mechanicsburg
The epic opening for this track came in on a major scale, but it has that raw and classic melody that is heavily influenced by “Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)” from AC/DC. That is a huge compliment on just how phenomenal the entrance is. This is the first time I am hearing who I believe is Pat on vocals in an airy vocal tone, which compliments this melody incredibly well. We are halfway done with this EP review now, and this is a truly driving anthem for the fans to be around a fire during a getaway at the lake. Anthemic would be my description for it!
Track 4: Through
This track has a subtle band opening that gives you the vibe of Bon Jovi when Jon first did the song “Livin’ On A Prayer” with the band. “Livin’ On A Prayer” reminds people to live every day like it’s their last through the use of faith when down in the dumps. The Warhawks have this same message of you needing to press forward on what you want even when the walls themselves are pressing in on you from every angle. One word for my description of this song would be honest.
Track 5: Roll and Rock
Straight vibes coming in from the influence of “Rock of Ages” by Def Leppard; one of my all-time favorite classic rock bands. You are going what feels like 90 to nothing down the freeway with your convertible and your metal being blasted for the rest to hear. One word for me on this one, celebratory.
Track 6: Reruns
This track reminds me of a slightly more upbeat version of Poison’s own “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” which talks about love and loss in the same way. That is a major compliment to the band’s delivery of emotion on this track. Even though it’s not nearly as slow, it still has a full band vibe of “I wanted to try with you but now all we are is just a memory from the past.” One word for this track given their entire lyrical message would be emotional.
If we at NScene have classic rock fans in the house and you have been wanting a current band that properly embraces the magnificent tone of the vintage rock sound, then you need to be getting “This Ain’t Art” from The Warhawks. The EP is available on all streaming platforms. I want to personally congratulate the band on making what I believe will become the most groundbreaking release of 2022. The Warhawks are a band I want to fly out to see a show for, but for now, I have this EP to hold me over.
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