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Block Buster: Losing Gravity
Block Buster - Losing Gravity Music Review

Block Buster: Losing Gravity

Melodic Heavy Rock
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 04.09.2019 | Released: 13.09.2019

It's no small thing for a band, when in your teens and not old enough to be able to play in clubs, to be invited to open a show for Bon Jovi in your native country. Such was the case for Finland's Block Buster, formed by brothers Aarni and Jaakko Metsäpelto, two lads still in Junior High at the time. But they wrote, rehearsed, and gigged their songs, released an EP with two singles and, then shared more stages with other international acts like Anthrax and Ghost. Now the young band drops their debut long player, Losing Gravity, through Italy's Frontiers Music.

Block Buster - Click For Larger Image

Block Buster

Regarding the Block Buster sound, methinks these youngsters have been raiding their parents' record collection. While not referencing any particular bands, Block Buster seems to draw from several decades of music, from the blues-infused heavy rock of the Seventies, the AOR accessible melodic hard rock of the Eighties, and the down-tuned days of Nineties grunge. Their sound is an amalgamation of sorts then. Conversely, their sound isn't necessarily unique either, but it is their own.

My simple description would be: Block Buster plays strongly guitar driven melodic heavy rock. Unpacking that summary, you'll find Block Buster develops tunes with tough and brisk riffs, roaring and crisp guitar solos, a steady and heavy rock rhythm and groove, and clean melodic vocals and vocal harmony. All these things are wrapped up in strong song melody and harmony, catchy refrains, and enough toughness for modicum of metal edge. All these things give Block Buster's music a bold and assertive feeling, and yet an accessible arena ready and radio friend sound. I like it and I think you will too. I'm partial to guitar-forward rock with big solos and the album is abundant with both. My best picks were Out In The City, Sweet Mary Jane, Move, and Would You Do It Again. With Flammable you get a nearly relentless rush of riffs traversing mixed pacing. Alternatively, Losing Gravity has a latent blues groove weaving through the tune. Bottom line: If you dig guitar-forward melodic heavy rock abundant with melody, harmony, and catchy hooks, you will enjoy Block Buster's Losing Gravity. Quite recommended. Get it and support the band.


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The Bottom Line

If you dig guitar-forward melodic heavy rock abundant with melody, harmony, and catchy hooks, you will enjoy Block Buster's Losing Gravity. Quite recommended. Get it and support the band.

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