Sandness - 'Play Your Part'

(Rockshots Records)

‘Play Your Part’ is the fourth album from Italian three-piece Sandness. I do vaguely remember their previous releases and liking what I heard but to be honest the band never stuck with me. While the name is familiar sadly their music got lost in the crowd of other similar sounding bands in my memory and record collection. On my first impressions of their latest album, I’m pretty sure this one will make a longer lasting dent in my consciousness.

I’d class Sandness as a Sleaze band, but it’s important to point out they have smoother aspects to their sound and they aren’t all piss and vinegar with songs about sticking it to the man. ‘Play Your Part’ has a sleazy heart and bone structure but it is blended with a more commercial melodic rock sound. Which creates some smooth, melodious rock with a spikey rebellious attitude.

I found the album as a whole to have a very positive tone. Regardless of what the lyrics are or the subject matter of any song I found it quite joyous and uplifting. This is an album that is definitely a good remedy for anyone suffering with the blues and desiring something with a lighter musical tone to get them back on top.

Full of slightly snarled vocals and lyrics spat with attitude like you’d expect from this genre, it’s all very sleazy, a bit punky and a whole load of old school LA Strip. Jangly guitar riffs make me think of Hanoi Rocks and some tracks have prominent fast paced piano giving the songs a bit of bar room boogie akin to the Quireboys. It’s obvious they are primarily influenced by American bands and that LA Strip scene, although there is something quintessentially European about how they come across. Many songs evoking strong similarities to Sleazy Scandinavian and British bands.

They have also done a great cover of Kiss tune ‘Turn On The Night’ which is an absolute banger and they certainly do it justice.

Sandness should appeal to fans of Sleaze Rock and all things Eighties LA Strip! It’s a very strong release from a band I’m sure most people even those die-hard underground rock fans have never heard of which is a shame. Given the overall quality of these songs and the musicianship on display hopefully a few retro rockers will stumble across it and enjoy it as much as I suspect they will.

7/10

Essential Track - 'Today, Tonight'

Review by Woody