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