Biters – The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be

Biters a Punk/Rock ‘n’ Roll band formed in Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 release their second album ‘The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be‘ via Earache Records today (19th May 2017). This follows their critically acclaimed 2015 début album ‘Electric Blood’ and several EPs. Energetic live performances with tales of his Uncle Alvin, and stage dives, from enigmatic frontman Tuk Smith led to them being included in the 2016 Kerrang tour and, more recently, a support slot with fellow Atlanta based country rockers Blackberry Smoke on their Like an Arrow UK Tour earlier this year.

Sticking to ten tracks again with most being around the three and a half minute mark it’s a tried and tested formula which works well. Especially if, like me , you’re a fan of the shorter, faster song! The album gets off to a roaring start with the anthemic Let It Roll a spectacular glam rock track reminiscent of No 1 Wonderboy by Last Great Dreamers with a sing-along chorus and dualling riffs. We stay with the glam rock vibe for Stone Cold Love but go further back in time think T-Rex meets Showaddywaddy Hot Love/Under The Moon of Love? Callin You Home more of the same with some added intricate riffage. Is the Uncle Alvin Tuk refers to in his stories Alvin Stardust? I don’t know but I thought of (Uncle) Alvin in Gypsy Rose. Don’t Turn This Good Heart Bad reminded me of their own Restless Hearts from Electric Blood.

No Stranger to Heartache started off very Caroline by Status Quo before merging into something more reminiscent of Joan Jett. For Vulture City think something along the lines of Robert Palmer’s Bad Case of Loving You meets ZZ Top’s Sharp Dressed Man. Hollywood with it’s keyboard opening tips a hat to Guns ‘n Roses’ November Rain a slower track about the quest for fame and wanting a star on Hollywood Boulevard. Chasin’ The Feeling with it’s nod to Tommy Who? you may ask but it could easily have been lifted from the soundtrack to the rock opera Tommy. We end the album with the ballad Goin’ Back to Georgia with it’s gentle riffs and heart felt vocals.

With a mix of tempos staring hard and fast and ending slow and gentle there’s enough to maintain your interest. We never really know what the future holds until we get there, but the past is what it was and, with a sound rooted firmly in the 1970’s Biters delve into the past for The Future Ain’t What It Used To Be to give us another solid album. If you were around in the 70’s you will, of course, remember the record player. This is available on vinyl, get a copy, stick it on your turntable and let the good times, or in this case tunes, roll!

Track List:

1: Let It Roll
2: Stone Cold Love
3: Callin’ You Home
4: Don’t Turn This Good Heart Bad
5: Gypsy Rose
6: No Stranger to Heartache
7: Vulture City
8: Hollywood
9: Chasin’ the Feeling
10: Goin’ Back to Georgia

Band Members:
Tuk- Vox/Guitar.
Matt- Guitar/Vox.
Philip- Bass/Vox.
Joey- Drums/Percussion.

Highlight Tracks: Let It Roll and Gypsy Rose

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