How much of the classic rock canon do you really know? And. Much of the music that is really important and belongs to that era will you ever hope to know? Probably not as much as you think. Possibly not a lot. Should you work to know it? Absolutely!
As much rock critics of new media will have you believe that it is the classic rock is, the canon, that is destroying the opportunity of new musicians, this is far from the truth. The real problem is that classic rock makes it sound like the greatest records have already been made. Once you accept, the only way forward is by using classic rock as a springboard for something modern, memorable, retro-inspired.
Niro Knox’s EP “Save Me” is an effort from a diligent student of classic rock. Knox is someone who has spent enough time around the sound of a Les Paul fed through a Marshall Amp recorded onto tape to understand the intricacies involved in creating something that avoids imitation and flirts with greatness.
The EP’s self-titled opener makes the tone of the electric guitar the central, highlighted element, whether it is playing fiery leads or keeping a tight groove. The song leads to an 80s pop-metal groove, but there’s more grit and passion to Knox’s vocals to reduce this to mindless guitar pop.
The rest of the EP offers more proof of this. “I Don’t Believe You” is built around the kind of guitar riffs you’d expect to hear blasting out of a garage by kids determined to sound as heavy as they can. And “I Don’t Care” brings to mind bands like Skid Row or Motley Crue trying to take on the gritty sound of grunge during their 90s run.
Still, just like the old classic pop-metal albums, Knox’s work tries to show different shades of the performer’s personality. “I Won’t Let You Down” and “Love Me Back” are dramatic power ballads filled with drama and hummable hooks.
In the end, Knox isn’t just looking for acceptance. The EP is a justification of a love for classic rock. The record’s closer, “Bad Times,” is the closest Knox gets to the overdriven vocal sound of singers like Chris Cornell or Ian Thornley and it works really well.
There’s no reason to deny the influence of classic rock. Niro Knox finds every reason to celebrate it and use it as a way to move rock n’ roll into the future.
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