How long has it been since you last heard something really honest and unique in the fields of pure Rock 'n' Roll? It's been said that Fireball Ministry carries the torch for the future of Rock 'n' Roll, and as Their Rock Is Not Our Rock proves, the L.A. purists continue to unrepentantly fan its flame with every thunderous power chord. The truth is that this quartet plays Rock 'n' Roll from its guts, with passion and a flame that will really move your soul.
The quartet's third full length, Their Rock Is Not Our Rock, is a defiant mission statement that shoots the bird at whichever way the winds of trends blow, an unadulterated modernization of a timeless sound and most importantly, a refreshing reminder of what Rock should mean. Cincinnati might not seem like the Rock 'n' Roll capital of the Midwest, but that's exactly where vocalist/guitarist James A. Rota and guitarist Emily J. Burton broke ground on their ministry in the late 90's. The duo's ambitions soon outgrew the Queen City, though, and they soon relocated to New York City before ultimately settling in Los Angeles, where they met drummer John Oreshnick.
In 2005, the group - now featuring bassist Johny Chow (ex-Systematic) - entered Dave Grohl's Studio 606 West, again with Raskulinecz behind the production helm. Additional recordings took place at the late Elliott Smith's New Monkey Studios. This resulting album - engineered by Mike Terry (Ash, Halford), and with a cover designed by Keith Scharwath - showcases the definitive Fireball Ministry sound: sneering riffs, driving rhythms, hooky harmonies, catchy choruses and a classic Rock sensibility many believed lost as a Nu generation temporarily held court.
James A. Rota's voice is really warm and his ability to compose catchy songs will really attract you! There are some Spiritual Beggars, Black Label Society influences which can be heard in their music but definitely in a more Rock-ish way. If you are looking for straight ahead Rock 'n' Roll then these guys are your band, for sure!
Fireball Ministry is everything a Rock 'n' Roll band should be: loud, proud, dirty, visceral and even a little bit dangerous. As Their Rock Is Not Our Rock capably proves, whenever the first church of Rock 'n' Roll delivers a sermon, its message reverberates as loudly as the amplifiers they play. Indeed, anyone who prematurely wrote Rock's epitaph will have their faith restored as they're baptized by fire.
- Album Highlights: It Flies Again, Sundown, Under The Thunder, Rising From The Deep.