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RYAN ROXIE
Imagine Your Reality

Cargo / Bellyache (2018)
Rating: 8.5/10

Best known for his work with Alice Cooper and Slash’s Snakepit, American guitarist Ryan Roxie (aka Ryan Rosowicz) has emerged with his first official solo album. The record features a myriad of musicians, including a special guest appearance from Cheap Trick frontman Robin Zander.

As one would expect from a talented axe-man, Imagine Your Reality is a guitar-driven opus of hard, catchy melodies which are influenced by a number of styles ranging from punky vibes to straight up rock ‘n’ roll and pop sensibilities.

The vibrancy of styles and influences is immediately evident on the uplifting, yet brief ‘Big Rock Show’ – an orgasmic, driving powerhouse which sounds like a suped-up Cheap Trick / Enuff Z’ Nuff. Although the Cheap Trick influences are no real surprise and continue throughout the album, I’m also hearing strands of British rock ‘n’ rollers Oasis too on this opener as it pulsates.

However, the big shocker on offer here is the cover of Coldplay’s ‘God Put A Smile Upon Your Face’. Coldplay are a band I detest, but this rendition unravels with soul before becoming a steady, almost Oasis-like stomp. There’s something unrelenting about its rhythm and yet it reeks of subtlety with Roxie’s dulcet tones. It’s also clear evidence of his talent and is a perfect way to close the album.

In contrast, ‘Over And Done’ is more of a straight up infectious rocker with a thematic plod as Roxie slurs: “Take my money, but why you steal my soul… loving you is taking its toll”. The percussion here is a meaty stab, and the bass provides a nice bubble as the gang gallop their way through what is a delicious slice of rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Oddly, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club spring to mind, and again there’s hints of Oasis but with a more American fatter Cheap Trick prod as the solo fizzes and winds.

‘Nevermind Me’ has a heavyweight grunge feel, and again there’s that merging of Roxie’s almost Donnie Vie (Enuff Z’ Nuff) tones with a muscular guitar swagger.

Another cover we have is ‘California Man’. The song was originally written by Roy Wood of UK rock band The Move, although most people will associate it with Cheap Trick after their 1978 hit version. So Robin Zander’s appearance as guest vocalist on the track is no real shock, with the end result being a straight up fun-for-all jam.

Fans of punky Joan Jett-styled glam will love the shuffling skid of 80s throwback ‘(La La Land) To Live And Die In LA’ with a riff that emerged during Ryan Roxie’s time with Slash’s Snakepit. Meanwhile, the sleazy ‘Uh Oh Song’ nods to the blues. It’s a simple whiskey drinkin’ design featuring smoky chords and an unsophisticated plod, before suddenly we’re hit with an absolutely killer and unexpected uprising whereby Roxie’s guitar wails and the percussion cascades like champagne.

‘Me Generation’ is a throbbing, snarling rocker mocking the weaker side of today’s youth, The “me generation”, “a bunch of little punks who need to take their medication” because “they don’t know what’s right”, “spoon-fed… brain-dead” is how Ryan Roxie perfectly sums up the watered down aspects of society. It’s one of the best tunes on the album; a sizzling, sneering rock ‘n’ roll fist-pumper that grabs you by the scruff of the neck and drags you along.

And the gems keep on coming. The Oasis / Beatles-esque mutation of ‘Look Me In The Eye’ also clutches at Cheap Trick / Enuff Z’ Nuff flecks, with that Gallagher swagger throughout, especially with the initial tirade of musical fireworks as Roxie’s guitar smoulders and swirls. And variety is the spice of life with ‘Heart’s In Trouble’; a cool sassy 50s spook-a-rama vibe introduces us to what is such a catchy, breezy vibe. But pluck any track from this concise yet enthralling opus and you’ll revel in Roxie’s qualities, not just as a guitar player but as a rock ‘n’ roll vocalist too.

Imagine Your Reality fuses many styles, but above all showcases Ryan Roxie’s love for rock ‘n’ roll music, cos’ where would we be without it?

Neil Arnold

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