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HARLOT’S GRIP
Harlot’s Grip EP

Self-released (2018)
Rating: 7/10

From Cleveland, Ohio, Harlot’s Grip is a new band attempting to test the waters of the heavy metal ocean by releasing a four-track EP. The band is a trio consisting of vocalist / guitarist Wayne Richards, bassist Ed Stephens and drummer Chris Dora.

All musicians present have previously been in numerous bands, so it’s no surprise that this offering is a well-oiled machine. Harlot’s Grip cough up rather fiery and extremely melodic New Wave Of British Heavy Metal-styled musings with the straight up rockfests such as ‘In The Teeth Of The Tempest’, although for me the vocals don’t quite live up to the density of the music.

With this track, we have a steady gallop, nice streaks of melody, a strong solo, and a driving drum and bass, but Wayne Richards seems to lack punch in those tones. Richards almost appears too nice, and this becomes more and more apparent as the EP trundles on.

The title track comes out with an AC/DC styled fizzing kick; that stony, persistent drum and scorching guitar hook in deep, and there’s an Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) type of ease about Richards’ almost bluesy vocal drool, but does it do enough? Well, in this case just about. I’m reminded of ZZ Top and acts like FM, but it’s the general groove which works so well, easing the listener into this infectious nod.

‘Savage In The Shadows’ is edgier; again, the guitar sound is sizzling hot as the band embarks on a thrashing tempo, but for me, Wayne is somewhat swallowed up by the powerhouse drums and smoking guitar. Traces of Saxon leak from the rhythm as a killer solo weaves. This is pretty heavy, raging stuff and the best is arguably saved for last with the colossal trudge of ‘Night Bound’; once again it’s another infectious melody with a backbone of hookiness as the guitar does the fiery work complemented by the trundling bass. Wayne Richards does come into his own, but for me his somewhat earthy and laid back style does take a bit of getting used to. It’s his style, and I understand that.

With a bit of fine-tuning Harlot’s Grip could really come up trumps with the debut full-length release, but so many times throughout I’m craving that extra pinch of spice. For now though, this EP remains a very mature release, fusing heavy, almost blues-tinged and soulful rock with occasional tints of metallic fire. I do feel that at nearly eight-minutes ‘Night Bound’ is a tad overlong and would’ve loved to have heard another track from the guys, but as it stands, this is still a comforting slice of drive-time rock.

Neil Arnold

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