photo courtesy of Axminster

EP Review of Axminster: Bada Boom!

Bada Boom! is the new EP from Boston-area classic hard rock stalwarts Axminster. It might be recency bias talking, and it probably is, but this pumped-up, hard-rockin’, high-energy four-song EP levels up from the already-high bar set by the band’s previous EP, Tightrope, which I reviewed a few months ago. Rather than repeat the band’s background info from that review, I’ll dive straight into the music. (If this is your first encounter with Axminster, please do read the Tightrope review, too.)

Bada Boom! kicks things off at 11 with fast-moving speedster “Don’t Wind Me Up.” Pouty ’80s-style melodic hard rock vocals couple with guitar crashes, funky hard rock rhythms, and a fast-picking rip-roaring guitar solo on this track. Even though, upon closer examination, the tempo isn’t quite as fast as the song’s frenetic nature makes it seem, “Don’t Wind Me Up” is definitely an energetic pleasure trip for any classic hard rocker.

image courtesy of Axminster

“Thick N’ Thin” follows with a little more of a sidewinding rhythm, with a vibe akin to Ratt’s “Way Cool Jr.” but a classic rocking vocal and guitar edge that might fit just as well with that era’s Aerosmith tunes. “Thick N’ Thin” is chock-full of rough-edged vocals and guided by a steady rhythm section with a hooky rhythm. In several places, the music peters out a little before recoiling and bursting forth with renewed power to very cool effect.

“Backfire” is a drum-heavy hard rocker with a crunchy bass line and some really cool kamikaze lead guitar runs, all steadied around iconic yet uniquely identifiable ’80s hard rock-styled vocals, always pushing the edge of the vocal envelope.

The EP closes with the punchy rhythm of “White Lie Fever.” The band sounds nothing like Mötley Crüe, but I’d sandwich this song between “Girls Girls Girls” and “Kickstart My Heart” as a nifty fit in a classic hard rock playlist.

photo courtesy of Axminster

I could spin this EP over and over. (I have!) It’s an energy-filled four-song collection reminiscent of the very best classic hard rock songs of old but with an energy and enthusiasm that makes it timeless. Simply put, this is a great new collection of axe-driven rock ‘n roll from one of the best foursomes out there plying their trade. Those of us in the Boston area are lucky to have Axminster in our midst, still churning out brand new original classic rock favorites in the band’s inimitable style.

You know, I don’t see any upcoming live dates mentioned on the band’s website or Facebook page, but as kickass as these songs are in a recording, I’m betting they’d be even kickassier live, so I’m hoping there are some gigs in Axminster’s future this year.

Liner Notes

As a cool side note, Bada Boom! includes the work of a pedigreed production team. The EP was mixed by Bob St. John (Extreme, Collective Soul, Duran Duran, Dokken) and mastered by Adam Matza (Steven Tyler, Extreme, Dweezil Zappa, Mary J. Blige).