Having initially fancied himself as an abstract artist, Jack J Hutchinson picked up a guitar and the rest, as they say, is history.

Backed up by drummer Billy Hammet and producer-bassist-guitarist Josiah J Manning, the British guitarist and singer-songwriter’s latest album Battles (Earache Records) is out now and it is a blast of Hard Rock with a bit of blues and a lot of fiery, metal-style guitar solos. 

Battles builds on its predecessor The Hammer Falls’ mix of melody, big riffs and lively solos – the foot-to-the-floor album opener “Constellations”, with its crunching guitars and frenetic solo, is a great introduction to this. 

“Bullets” is a no nonsense hard rocker with a take-no-prisoners, positive attitude; a polished hook; and a short but sweet demonstration of Hutchinson’s axeman abilities. As is “Rip It Up”, a lively slab of heavy rock with a whiff of Slash about it. 

You may have heard its ilk many times before, but the solid songwriting, musicianship and the consummate production stops it sliding into mediocrity. Case in point being the irresistible “Don’t Let The Fuckers Get You Down”, with its slinky riff and propulsive cowbell-infused beat. 

It is not all furious guitars and pounding drums. “Road To Hell” is a slower number with soul-baring lyrics and a slow burning melody whose charms grow after each listen. 

There are a few ballads, the best of which is the radio-friendly “Love Is The Law” with its lush, silky smooth hooks and an easy going solo. The lighter-waving “Stay With Me” is the other one, which is pleasant but a bit overwrought and unfortunately ends the record on a whimper.

Jack J Hutchinson’s latest record is a good ol’ fashioned slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll, with its good musicianship, songwriting and production values making it stand out in a crowded genre.

Buy the album here:
https://jackjhutchinsonmusic.com/

7 / 10
THOMAS THROWER