The Hi-End – “Before You Run Out Of Luck”
The Hi-End play rock’n’roll, so they rightly claim.
But if you’re looking for rock’n’roll that means Billy Joel’s “Still Rock’N’Roll To Me” or Bob Cigar’s “Old Time Rock’N’Roll”- I believe you’re in the wrong place.
(And yes, I know what his real last name is. Whattya think I’m stupid? Don’t answer that!)
This bands influences come from early punk and proto-punk, you know- what they call the bands that were before the scene really sparked.
So with this band you hear real rock’n’roll, you hear garage, you hear hard rock and maybe, even some glam, all leading into what became punk rock. Now, that term- punk rock. I’m unfamiliar with, but everything else I am.
And everything mentioned is exhibited extremely excellently on this exuberant, excelsior recording.
Let’s examine it more closely:
“I don’t care about learning, honey. I’m only out for kicks,” is so disrespectful and unaware of the cholesterol content one is consuming but is the first words on this release. “Excess…a dirtiness…a tight dress.” I can imagine these words spouting from such great, lead singers as Stiv Bators (Dead Boys) or Lux Interior (The Cramps). The music is not fast but pounces like a panther prowling through the jungle while seeking its’ kill. “I take what I need. (Do you want it?) I need what it takes. (Do you need it?)” “Looking For Some Kicks” is the name of the song. And it’s a strutting, boastful kick ass song that would fit in fine with the best of The Dictators catalog, or even Kiss or the New York Dolls. I say that as a big compliment and do I think “Do you need it?” Oh, most certainly so.
“Having a nervous breakdown, I’m a mess.” So goes the chorus of “Nervous Breakdown” with lyrics like- “Some say I’m weak, some say I’m strong. I never thought I’d make it this long.” There’s some great, female backup vocals that make me recall the classic Stones album “Exile On Main Street,” or seventies Lou Reed. With a driving rhythm, a touch of sixties R&B and a wonderful, guitar solo this song emanates a top shelf classic rock vibe. And in the last minute or so- “Wooh, wooh- ooh,” of this song it slips into musical ecstasy. Not only the best song on this release but one of the best songs I’ve heard this year. “I’m a mess?” More like a masterpiece. This is a good fucking song!
“Blood Red Lips” after a killer, guitar intro is followed by four bashing garage, rock chords. I’m thinking I’m hearing a long, lost Nervous Eaters tune but really, this song captures perfectly, the sound of the early Boston punk scene. And, it also alludes to one of my favorite tunes by The Dictators, “Baby Let’s Twist.” This is punk’n’roll at its finest. “I’d do anything for them blood red lips.” I’d do anything for more songs as good as this.
I have “Shake, Rattle And Roll” in my head, right now and if you even know that song, and I hope you do, you’re probably familiar with the Bill Haley & The Comets version. But the one I’m hearing is the Big Joe Turner version- and both are great.
But what’s really great is the fact I’m hearing rock’n’roll. (Isn’t that what Lemmy always said he played?) and I believe he was correct.
‘Cause rock’n’roll was the combination of all that was good in American music before it was born.
It had black music (blues and rhythm & blues), it had white music (country music that turned into rockabilly) along with a whole lot of swing (jazz).
And for me that’s the flow of the bloodstream of American music. That I feel in Little Richard, that I feel in The Stones, that I feel in AC/DC, that I feel in The Clash.
And you might ask me, “What does this have to do with this review, this band?
I’m glad to report it has everything to do with The Hi-End.
Because they are rock’n’roll totally, through and true. They have the energy and the excitement, the frustration and anger and the wildness of life. They are the middle finger that Johnny Cash gave in that famous picture of him or what I see what you all give in most of the pictures I see of you on facebook.
So don’t listen to the traitors or the false fabricators. This is the root of all you love in punk, all you love in hardcore, all you love in metal, all you love in life. All you feel is right and true down in the center of your soul.
I guess, I know it’s only rock’n’roll but I like it.
And I love The Hi-End.
(Slimedog)
