'Flash of White Light' is the latest long player from the Boston based band Watts, whose sheer energy and mix of punk, power-pop, glam and street rock 'n' roll has won them considerable critical praise Stateside.
The band comprises Dan Kopko on vocals/guitar, John Blout on guitar/vocals, Tim McCoy on bass/vocals and John Lynch on drums/vocals. Their name is apparently a tribute to Charlie Watts from the Stones, or so their Facebook page would have you believe. One thing is certain, is that along with the Stones, Watts have the ability to churn out some brilliant riff laden tunes that will definitely turn a few heads.
The album opens with the title track, 'Flash of White Light' which starts with a squall of feedback before some excellent guitar work. This is a fast paced rocker that grabs you by the ears and just doesn't let up. As John sings: - “Don't get excited, hold on tight, blazing guitars and a flash of white light”.
To all intents and purposes, this sounds a lot like Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers circa 1977, with its rock 'n' roll street poetry, and that is certainly something that the music industry needs, a mighty kick up the arse.
This band however, is certainly no one trick pony. Tracks like 'Sidewinder', a slightly slower rocky number, again with some brilliant guitar, reminded me of Hanoi Rocks, back when they were good, showing that whatever the pace, Watts can nail it every time. Tracks like 'Wasted Angels' employ some classic rock cliches in the lyrics:- “Two gunslingers with a taste for black label/ Tonight we're gonna drink ourselves under the table”. Here, however, married to an infectious rock 'n' roll riff it doesn't sound anything like the outrageous parody of some bands.
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One of the best tracks on the album is 'Ghosts On The Dancefloor', which is the sort of excellent rocker that sounds a bit like something that should have been on Rancid's 'And Out Come The Wolves', but that said, Watts are no mere copyists, they have created an original sounding record that has all the right reference points for any rocker, punk or rebel, and for that they are to be applauded.
The album is available from Watts Bandcamp page and with tracks as good as this, I sincerely hope that they will tour the UK fairly soon. Bands of this calibre are not to be missed.
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