by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
Black Swan … not it’s not the Natalie Portman gothic tale of beauty and grace, eating disorders, OCD and anxiety, but instead the new band of four musicians you surely know, and who all would like to dance with Natalie Portman, one would assume …
Shake the World is the debut, with brothers in ’80s music Jeff Pilson and Reb Beach, one of the best singers in Rock with Robin McAuley, and all-star drummer Matt Starr. Where many projects fail to find chemistry, cohesion or verve and sound like a cover band playing new songs, Black Swan is the exact opposite.
The title track comes first, with thunderous drumming, foreboding guitars and then freaks out into hyper speed, Beach’s lick and riffs throwing bloody razors at your ears. The second McAuley opens his mouth, you are already a fan. Known for his time in MSG most notably, even the Perris Records band Demon Angels was an unknown venture by McAuley and that’s awesome too. Anyway, it’s heavy, strong back vocals because Pilson can sing his ass off, and it’s a fine intro to the band.
“Johnny Came Marching” is unique just on the title along. It thumps, Beach plays with some bluesy Lynch Mob-type swagger, and McAuley proves he can change from blues to Melodic Rock in the snort of a line. While almost like two songs in one, the seamless transition makes sense, even if it shouldn’t. They guys are that good.
“Make It There” is a ballad you have been waiting for and it’s honest, poignant, earnest, and everything you’d hope for. It’s like a mammoth Giant or Whitesnake ballad, with a touch of Modern Pop Rock feel.
“Immortal Souls” sounds exactly like McAuley’s time in MSG. It could fit on the self-titled final release. The chorus drips with melody, and the guitar solo … this much natural feel was gifted to a few guitarists.
The final dance is “Divided United,” an oddly titled keyboard-heavy composition. The chorus soars, and McAuley’s earthy, natural vocals are just not something you hear today. There are technical singers who learn through hard work and study how to get the most from their vocals. You can’t teach how McAuley sings, though. It’s not just his voice … it’s him.
Shake the World was one of the albums every fan of this genre was drooling for. Ninety percent of the time, the lead-up is met with a letdown. Black Swan is not that release; maybe if Portman had a little Black Swan music in her life in the movie of the same name, the psychotic breaks and self-harm would have instead been healthy headbanging beer-guzzling fun.
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Robin McAuley / Vocals
Reb Beach / Guitar
Jeff Pilson / Bass
Matt Starr / Drums
Tracklisting:
1. Shake The World
2. Big Disaster
3. Johnny Came Marching
4. Immortal Souls
5. Make It There
6. She’s On To Us
7. The Rock That Rolled Away
8. Long Road To Nowhere
9. Sacred Place
10. Unless We Change
11. Divided/United
Label: Frontiers Records
Online:
https://www.facebook.com/BlackSwanRockNRoll/
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(8.2 / 10)
