Colorado rock outfit Straight Six recently dropped a new album, called Full Circle.
The band features Jay Quintana (vocals), Glen Drieth (bass), Joey Shapiro (drums), and Eric Schaudies (guitar). Straight Six’s sound is pure rock and roll, muscular and aggressive, reckless and loud. Yet at the same time, it’s melodious and contagious, witnessed by a strong regional following and sharing the stage with Stryper, Slaughter, and the Dio Disciples, along with performances at The Whisky in Hollywood and Count’s Vamp’d in Vegas.
Talking about ‘Full Circle,’ Shapiro says, “The album has perfectly captured who Straight Six is today. We recorded it very organically. I used a click track when we did the drums, but we recorded it all together with very few overdubs. Yet there are two tracks of guitars on much of the album, so it sonically competes with those of other current bands.”
Full Circle comprises 10-tracks, the first of which is “Aimed At Me,” a tight rocker with fuzzy guitars riding a rampaging tune. Cracking drums and a popping bass line cement the rhythm, as Quintana’s incandescent vocals sear the atmosphere. “Middle of the Ride” opens with a potent drum shuffle, followed by snarling guitar riffs. The tunnel of love metaphor in the lyrics compares a collapsing tunnel with the inevitable implosion of an ill-fated relationship.
From a subjective perspective, the best bits on the album include “Cry All Night,” riding growling riffs and an extended snare. On the chorus, skintight vocal harmonies give the tune a radiant, streaming sensibility that contrasts well with the pulsing energy of the verses.
“What Would I Give” changes things up a bit, taking on bluesy colors and a ballad essence. Quintana’s rasping voice demonstrates its melodic range on this song, infusing the tune with tender timbres. “21 Guns” opens with scowling guitars and a Jovian punching groove. The soaring heights Quintana achieves with his voice are mind-blowing, while the blistering guitar solo scorches the dynasphere with sizzling notes. “Black & Blue” rides stabbing guitars and an unbelievable bass line, exploding with deep runs. On the solo section, Shapiro’s drums imbue the music with supercharged impacts.
With Full Circle, Straight Six supplies listeners with hard-edged, back-to-the-basics rock and roll, the kind that projects unbridled dynamism.
