Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Derecho-Coffee & Disruption

 
Derecho/Red Echo Records
2013

Ready to get your rock on? If you answered yes then please allow me to introduce Cambridge-based Derecho. If you answered no then feel free to click your way over to some dreadful Top 40 blog-site. Especially seeing as this female-fronted four-piece, which was formed back in 2010 and sites it's influences as "ranging from 1960's pop to 21st century rock via classic punk", has no intention of taking a backseat to the likes of Miley Cyrus, Lorde, Ke$ha and Lady Gaga! Taking their (fitting) name from a Spanish word meaning "fast moving band of severe thunderstorms" the band, which is featured on the Delinquent Records' compilation "Maidens of Metal" (from the sound of things it was prior to this release), is lead by vocalist/keyboardist/primary songwriter Jo Ash and features within it's ranks well-traveled drummer Mike Ellis. Having worked with artists such as Mitch Mitchell (Jimi Hendrix) and Ash Soan (Adele, Billy Idol) this profession drummer adds an extra air of respectability to this UK rock band. Although, realistically speaking and all, it's not as if Derecho needs the extra attention that someone like Ellis would bring to the band as their music speaks volumes about what this versatile band brings to the rock scene. On "Coffee & Disruption" the band, which also features the skilled-playing of guitarist Mike Wheatley and bassist Marc Zyngier, covers a lot of ground from opener "Remembered" (Blondie meets Paramore?) to "Lonely Girl" with it's Fleetwood Mac vibe and even the Dire Straits-infused "Crash & Burn"! All of which is accomplished thanks to the unmistakable talent of guitarist Mike Wheatley. Whether helping Jo Ash turn a number like "Perfect, Like You" into a emotional, pop-driven rock and roll ripper or treading into No Doubt territory like on "Void" (which, trust me on this one friends, is much better in practice then then it sounds on paper with the No Doubt reference and!) he does it all with grace and style! Have no fear though as at it's core this UK-act is still a hard rocking force of nature as is evident on "December". Featuring great lead guitar work, "December", which ended up being a favorite cut of mine of this (late December of 2013) rock release along with "The Silence", teeters on garage hard rock even as the Jo Ash's intoxicating voice keeps the listener snapped to attention! Even on a more laid-back number like "This Mask" there is the undeniable presence of a guitarist who (no doubt) grew up submersed in the sounds of classic British rock. Of course when we're talking about impact-is-imminent classic guitar rock riffs it helps when you have a bass player like Marc Zyngier in place providing phenomenal bass lines! Marc's presence is felt all over this full-length release whether you're talking about a number like the aforementioned "Void" or the dirty rocker "Alibi". On "Coffee & Disruption" it's great to see a band (or for that matter a producer!) that has finally gotten it right as far as recording the bass lines. Here they are clear as day and when you add to that the professional drumming of Mike Ellis you end up with a rhythm section that does more then just hold pace. They are every bit as involved within the process as Derecho's wonderful front-woman and guitarist and as far as what's next for this Cambridge-based four piece rock band? Only time will tell. If more material like we have on "Coffee & Disruption" (from Blondie-driven punk like "Bystander" to the driving rhythms of eighties-vibe rocker "The Silence" this one has it all!) is in store then I welcome the opportunity to roll with this female-fronted rock outfit wherever they may choose to roam from this point out. You can hear the album for yourself at the link below and, as an added bonus, be sure to check out the video to the group's "The Silence" (featuring very cool keys that are splashed against rock and roll garage riffs!) right here (should you wish to see this band live and in living color!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=osXiJgv49A0 Speaking of live and in living color, Derecho sure sound as if they keep a busy schedule (as far as playing live in concerned!) so, if you're on that side of the pond and all, be sure to check out this original rock and roll band for yourself. I know I would if I was anywhere near where they were playing! Since I can't feasibly do that I'll just have to be content with keeping an eye out for the further adventures of Jo Ash and her rock and roll cohorts!
https://derecho-rock.bandcamp.com/

Derecho's offical site:
http://derechorock.com/Derecho/Home.html 

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19 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This sounds like it was written by the guitarist. Have seen them and they are mediocre. Marc Zyngier has left because he could not stand big-headed Mike Wheatley.

12:35 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

And you sound like someone who envious of a great band! Did you fail an audition with them? Or are you not even that talented?

9:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm confused, so is that one copy or two that you are seeking? U Sad tortured soul

12:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is terrible. Like a 16-year-old's self-absorbed poems put to a bland rock background. Awful.

2:22 AM  
Anonymous Marc Zyngier said...

If you're intending to slander any of us, you may want to grow a pair and use your name.

I never had any issue with Mike (I'm probably far more big-headed than he is), and I gladly take responsibility the mediocre qualifier. At least I'm not a coward.

Marc.

3:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Great review, great band. I wonder why the 1st comment is so bitter? Possibly a combination of green eyes and sour grapes?

4:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Very bland. The vocalist should go solo, her band is holding her back.

1:07 AM  
Blogger Andy said...

(Anonymous number one) As far as I know I'm not the guitarist in Derecho although maybe I have a secret life that I'm not aware of? As far as the band goes though I stand by my review. Derecho are a solid rock band that brings many different elements to the table. As far as vocalist Jo Ash goes I feel that the band compliments her style and vice versa. And in regards to Marc Zyngler's comment I agree. It's one thing making such comments, but at least have the back-bone to stand by it and post it with your real name!!

6:17 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, the bass player really likes the guitarist, my information was incorrect. The reason anybody would wish to remain anonymous when reviewing this band is that they cannot take any kind of criticism, and react with a nasty fury if anyone dares to speak their mind. I stand by my comment that the singer would do better solo, as she is writing all the songs and is being held back by the band and management. I am entitled to my opinion, and Derecho need to learn to take criticism.

3:54 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Ok, well it seems I was mistaken and the bass player likes the guitarist. This band cannot take criticism,; indeed they react with a cold nasty fury if anyone dares to say that the band is anything other than wonderful. That is why anyone reviewing them would wish to remain anonymous. I am entitled to my opinion and I maintain that the singer should go solo, because as the sole songwriter she is being held back by band and management.

3:59 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am concerned that, after many years, the management of Derecho want to keep a tight hold on the singer and still only play local pubs. They don't want her to branch out alone because she is the only one with songwriting ability. It is a shame and a waste.

2:13 AM  
Anonymous Mike Ellis said...

Thanks for the review! We're obviously doing something right to provoke the negative comments (all from the same angry individual)! I agree, everyone's entitled to their opinion (no matter how wrong it is) and I'd love to see some examples of the alleged 'fury' you're so terrified of.

Just for balance, here's a couple more reviews

http://dereksmusicblog.wordpress.com/2014/02/27/derecho-coffee-and-disruption/

http://invisibleimages.co.uk/derecho-coffee-and-disruption/

4:03 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, it seems the singer has once again been told to keep on writing the songs for the lazy older men. A real shame they won't allow her to break away. If she had not been so held back I have no doubt she would be doing very well on her own or as part of a duo.

8:43 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I wonder if the singer knows that she was offered a meeting with an important person in the music biz but the guitarist never told her because he wants to keep her to himself.

12:16 AM  
Anonymous Mike "Lazy Old Man" Ellis said...

Another review, do you think there's a pattern emerging here?

http://www.withguitars.com/derecho-looking-storm-uk-coffee-disruption/

3:11 AM  
Blogger Andy said...

It really seems as if this one is spiraling out of control comments-wise. While opinions are always welcome in regards to the quality of a band and/or their music(and feel free to be anonymous or not as it really makes no difference to me in the end)I do feel as if this is not the place to discuss personal matters/rumors. Please try to keep comments relevant to to the matter at hand. If you have comments/issues/concerns or whatever for particular individuals there are much better ways to address them then in a setting such as this. From the sounds of it certain individuals may in fact live (distance-wise) much closer then I do and have seen this band live. As such why not bring your feelings directly to the source? Anonymous you said that"I am concerned that, after many years, the management of Derecho want to keep a tight hold on the singer and still only play local pubs. They don't want her to branch out alone because she is the only one with songwriting ability. It is a shame and a waste.". I would guess that Jo Ash (as an adult and everything) can make up her own mind about where she wants to be, but again (if you are concerned) why not go to the source? Otherwise in this setting it ends up as a he says/she says situation where it all sounds like schoolyard bickering really.

7:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was unable to go to the source. The guitarist has repeatedly warned me off approaching the singer directly. This is the only way I can let her know about the opportunity she was denied.

3:01 AM  
Anonymous Mike Ellis said...

Andy, FYI, we know who 'anonymous' is, this isn't the first time he's done this sort of thing and we know why he perpetuates his infantile vendetta. Apols for the exchange cluttering up your page and thanks again for the review!

cheers

Mike

12:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will say it again. I was warned off approaching the singer by the guitarist, who does not want her to work with other people. I note that the guitarist himself has not denied this. Instead the drummer has tried to discredit me when he knows nothing about me or my excellent music biz contacts.

1:13 AM  

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