For Can’t Find The Brakes, their sophomore full length release, Los Angeles quartet Dirty Honey followed a familiar format. As with their 2021 debut LP, they were produced by veteran producer Nick DiDia who has worked with Rage Against The Machine, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, and Stone Temple Pilots among others. The difference this time around, was that they actually were allowed to travel to Di Dia’s current home of Byron Bay Australia to do it. No COVID restrictions this time. The results, just like their debut effort and previous EP as well, is a very satisfying, riff-rocking solid effort.
Guitarist John Notto’s fat Gibson Les Paul sound and instantly familiar feeling riffs give the listener a satisfying taste of the best of 1970s boogie rock with a very up to date feel. The album begins with singer Marc LaBelle’s soulful vocal tones that work into a groove and put you into a southern soul pace, reminiscent of the best of early Stax records. The first single “Won’t Take me Alive” proudly sports the bands Aerosmith inspired roots. Bassist Justin Smolian and new drummer Jaydon Bean keep the foundation solid on rockers like “Dirty Mind” and the party track “Get A Little High” as well as the title track, “Can’t Find The Brakes.”
Marc LaBelle’s soaring vocals take center stage on emotional “Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire)” as well as “You Make It All Right” which brings to mind the classic sound of The Black Crowes, who Dirty Honey toured with in 2022. My favorite track so far is the southern rock sound of “Ride On” that has so much swagger and groove that it is simply an irresistible future classic that was born for rock radio, if that still exists.
This band makes its bones on the road playing live, and will be touring to support Can’t Find The Brakes. But just one listen to this release will certainly make you an instant fan and want to see them perform these songs onstage. Every one of the 11 tracks have the potential to be included in their set. As for the title, singer Labelle explains, “Sometimes being a touring musician can feel like you’re on a train going full speed, and even if you could find the brakes, would you really want to?”
~ Junkman
