BLACKBIRD ANGELS have released their debut album “Solsorte” on September 8, 2023 the new project founded by guitarist Tracii Guns (L.A. GUNS) and bassist/vocalist Todd Kerns, the multi-instrumentalist singer, songwriter and producer (SLASH, TOQUE, HEROES AND MONSTERS) who is most noted for being the bass player and backup singer in SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY and for being the frontman of gold-record-selling Canadian band THE AGE OF ELECTRIC. Adam Hamilton, another multi-instrumentalist who spent time in L.A. GUNS and has also produced albums by L.A. GUNS, VAINS OF JENNA, George Lynch, and more rounds out the lineup on drums. “Todd and I have wanted to make a record for about 10 years now and we finally did it and it’s everything I hoped for,” declares Tracii Guns “with the addition of Adam Hamilton it’s pure magic. For live performances, Johnny Martin will play bass and Sam “Bam” Koltun will play guitar.” Tracii decided he wanted to write a rock n' roll record more directly influenced by the music he grew up worshipping as a teenager like LED ZEPPELIN, PETER FRAMPTON, BAD COMPANY and JOURNEY. “The record turned out to not only be a cathartic experience, but it also became some of my favorite music I’ve ever been a part of. It’s raw, it’s real and it rocks. I’m super excited for people to hear it”, Tracii proclaims. With the musical resume as mentioned above I’m expecting a trip back to that magical time of big hair, spandex and bulging crotches.

Starting out strong with a bluesy feel on “Shut Up (You Know I Love You)” as the tempo sets the pace with a down home gritty rhythm as the pleasant harmonious vocals help deliver a most enjoyable opening riff blaster meant to get the hips shaking. I would categorize “Worth the Wait” as a power ballad with slower, benevolent vocals that bring the intensity of emotions depicted beautifully by the powerful ethereal guitar licks that TRACII GUNS brings to a higher level. “On And On/Over And Over” is a tricky combination of two worlds, or should I say two songs that starts out slow paced and mundane with a tuned down riff and sappy vocals that had me almost write down “klunker” but damn they saved it big time as the boisterous tempo blasts through with gritty guitar chops and powerful vocals delivering that had me slamming the table and pounding a beer. “Broken In Two” is a pretty straight forward rock and roll riff with the first L.A. GUNS sound alike structure and vocal layering aided by catchy refrains, endowed by nicely balanced back beats and bold drums. “Unbroken” comes in full throttle with a hard crushing explosion of furious guitar riffs and a nice head banging solo coupled with the crisp euphonic vocals of Todd Kerns completing a well-balanced rocking song. The album ends with a funky melody on “Scream Bloody Murder” with an almost “big band” beat laced with a fairly effervescent riff and the highest pitched vocals bringing the close to a most unconventional end.

I guess if I’m mad at anyone it’s me for not finding more to like on “Solsorte”, it has all the ingredients for a kick-ass album and I’m a huge fan of TRACII GUNS and love the vocal stylings of Todd Kerns, so how come I’m not getting a BLACKBIRD ANGEL tattoo on my right ass cheek? There were moments that had me air guitaring around my living room, just not enough consistent and cohesive rocking moments. The best definition I will leave you with is that overall, the effort was routine and elementary.