Hailing from the panhandle of Florida, GUNSHINE offers a breath of fresh air to the rock scene. A musical love child conceived during the pandemic, GUNSHINE was birthed by Daytona Beach native and NEW YEARS DAY ax man Austin Ingerman, who, as a result of the world shutting down, suddenly found himself off the road and eager to carry out his vision of forming a fresh, edgy rock n' roll band. The vision was to create songs that had attitude, were melodic/catchy, and most importantly written very organically. "I'll hear vocal melodies and guitar riffs in my head, and let things flow very naturally and artistically. We just write what comes out, and never try to sound a certain way or let external factors influence our writing in any way" says Ingerman. Drummer James Renshaw was the first to join and they quickly began working on songs that would comprise the debut album. After an exhaustive search, Jordan Benson, distant cousin to Elvis Presley, became the band’s singer and added a dose of charisma and showmanship that has become a staple of GUNSHINE’S live shows. The self-released debut album “Checkmate”, available now was recorded in Las Vegas with producer/engineer Chris Collier (KORN, MICK MARS, WHITESNAKE, LYNCH MOB, PRONG) who is an integral part of the sonic translation of the band. It was tracked at "The Hideout" in Vegas, where tons of hit records were made. According to their press release: Together, this group lays down face-melting guitar solos, catchy riffs, soaring vocals and a lethal rhythm section which all come together to create a sonic boom harkening back to a time when music was raw, blisteringly energetic, and loud. In a world where it is commonplace to play it safe, GUNSHINE throws the rule book out and plays it straight from the heart, no tricks, no frills, no BS. This is rock-n-roll, the kind you’ve been missing. According to this reviewer: Challenge accepted, I’m ready to rock.

If I love the song as much as I love the title of “90 Proof” we’re in for a smashing good time, and so far, so good. Out of the gates with an in-your-face melting riff as the vocals take over and take charge like a man possessed with debauchery all sewn together with crunching and raw guitar licks. I’m already buying into their press release with this pretty meaty start. “Swing Away” is a dangerous little song with down and dirty blackened melody and gritty, wonky vocals overlaying the beasty riff that made me want to bust my beer bottle over someone’s head and get into a bar fight (Disclaimer: I would never do that…wink, wink). The title track “Checkmate” and “Annihilation” both maintain the classic power cords and galloping drum backing that defined the 80’s and NWOBHM sound with a cocksure attitude all masterfully delivered by the powerful guitar shredding of Austin Ingerman who’s not afraid to blaze his own trail.

All I can say is re-read their press release above, check out their high energy videos and you’ll see why GUNSHINE is destined to make some noise and turn some heads in the hard rock and metal scene for years to come.