MP3: Mainliners - Bourbon and ice
Mainliners are not a new band, but their new self-titled album is the first I've ever heard of them. They're one of those rare bands who I immediately liked from just hearing a few seconds of a track on myspace. Thankfully, the rest of the record doesn't disappoint either - this is easily some of the best Swedish rock'n'roll I've heard in ages. There's a touch of 80s LA hair-metal (think Faster Pussycat), but it's tempered with a rougher, more bluesy vibe. Think more along the lines of early Aerosmith. This particular track I've posted is one of the slower numbers. I guess you could call it a power-ballad. It certainly does have a powerful chorus, as do most of the band's songs. It's nice to hear a band with an organ player who knows how to stick to the background, too. He plays a more prominent role on other tracks, but it's not needed here, so he lays back. That's class. Excuse the hyperbole, but I won't be surprised if this ends up being one of my favorite records this year. It's not groundbreaking, but it sure sounds fresh to these tired ears.
Mainliners - Bourbon and ice