Some musical projects are a familiar thing, because it's not so rare to find a band where the members are related by blood. On many occasions, brothers with the same musical taste gather into a band. And "Atomic Highway", from North American quartet DC4, is a great surprise that amazes all the old Metal fans. Behind the band, four experience musicians: the blood related brothers Jeff Duncan (from ARMORED SAINT), Shawn Duncan (ODIN, KILLER BEE), and Matt Duncan, and their brother for choice Rowan Robertson (DIO, RAIDING THE ROCK VAULT). But on this album, you'll hear the old and good Hard Rock mixed with influences from US Metal School from the 80's. But it's astonishing as their music can sound savage, hooking, melodic and spontaneous at the same time, bearing a wild energy that can seduce every Metal fan that hear this album.

The name Bill Metoyer on the production (Jeff co-produced the album), recording, engineering, mixing and mastering is not a surprise, because Bill and Jeff are old comrades. And from their work rises a strong, heavy and bold sound quality that keeps the band's songs and musical arrangements clear for our ears in a way that we can understand what is being played without complains. Well, "Atomic Highway" is an album made of contrasts, from heavier moments to the ones where the purest and funniest Rock 'n Roll is being played. The excellent melodies of "Queen of Angels" (here you can find the mix of US Metal weight with the old Hard Rock energy, and what a great work from guitars), the high adrenalized levels of energy of "Atomic Highway" (that bears a fine touch of accessibility, and with a good work from vocals), the bitter shape of the Hard/Southern Rock blend of "Dominique", the heavy US Metal insight of "Castaway", and the introspective and bitter harmonies of "21st Century Love" (very good work from bass guitar and drums, because to deal with clean guitars is not an easy task) can be said as their finest shots, but don't you dare to leave aside their modern version for "Baba O'Riley" (with some of the old and original keyboards parts done by the guitars, and it turns the old hymn in an actual hit).

It's a great album, indeed. So hear it, buy it, like their Facebook page and all, because DC4 is here to stay.