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WHITE TYGËR
This Is The Life

Self-released (2022)
Rating: 8/10

I was turned on to this UK outfit via the fact they were essentially a covers band that has now evolved after throwing in a few original to their set. I then came across the track ‘Midnight Lovers’ with its struttin’ groove and foot tapping percussion. Admittedly it’s a standard hard rock track but with a chorus that digs its claws in immediately. Meanwhile, the almost bubblegum intro chords of ‘This Is The Life’ are belied by the quintessentially British gallop of the main pulse, but again there’s that hooky, driving chorus – although the cussing is rather cringe-worthy.

This Is The Life – the album – has now landed on my lap and features nine tracks of fizzing hard rock. The album begins with the heavyweight groove of ‘Permanent Vacation’ which boasts a sure-fire swagger straight from the late 80s. There are hints of Def Leppard mixed with Skid Row (‘Slave To The Grind’) at their most streetwise, propelled by the snappy vocals of Nip Turner who boasts both grit and melody. The track features another killer chorus, sizzling axe work and excellent sturdy percussion from Jack Ryland Smith.

It’s clear from the beginning that White Tygër has something extra to offer the hard rock fan as the quartet slips into mid-90s groove metal, then flirts with traditional heavy metal while spiking their cocktail with some sleaze and, dare I say it, borderline thrash on the scurrying ‘Heartbreak Hotel’, which then resorts to a cool late 80s hard rock swagger.

Whichever style the band flirt with there’s always that steely guitar sound which Turner and Chris Hingley bring, while the bass of Ste Timmins always remains a vital backbone to the rhythm. Solos soar from the fire like molten embers, and the unexpectedly melodious choruses continue their reign. The driving menace of ‘Runaway Bride’ again boasts a Skid Row vibe, however there’s a subtlety here too as showcased with ‘Forever And Always’ with its fluffy chorus, although the axe work remains fiery.

The quality continues with the mid-tempo glint of ‘Skum Town’ which has a decidedly early 90s feel, the ballsy, straight-up rocker ‘Speed Demon’, and ‘No Fucks Given’ with its streetwise riffage and hammer percussion. Admittedly, lyrically, the latter is one of the band’s cheesiest tracks and the video showing the band sipping Jack Daniels leaves a lot to be desired, but hey, the guys are having fun and as long as they don’t slip into parody I see a bright future for White Tygër if they can remain serious and not succumb to cliché.

Neil Arnold

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