The FTW - Vendetta Kind of Mood

The FTW

Vendetta Kind of Mood

by Nick Webb at 20 July 2015, 9:26 AM

Opening with the instrumental riffing of “Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself” the classic Rock and Metal stylings that THE FTW cite as their main influences becomes blaringly obvious.

THE FTW comprises of a trio of musicians all veterans of New York’s underground Rock and Punk scene. Vocalist and bassist Michael Dolan spent ten years as a member of THE TURBO A.C.’s, while drummer JJ Meraz was formerly in DOG PATCH WINO. The trio is completed by the six string riff-age of TheMajorNelson.

All through the album, the influence of classic NWOBHM acts, as well as the melodic sensibilities of THIN LIZZY and the passion and grit of MOTORHEAD are carried with great aplomb. The songs all follow old-school themes: fast cars, fast bikes and faster women, fighting and…. Minotaurs. As these suggest, there’s a greasy, long-haired scuzziness to the music which gives it a gritty realness much missing in many rock bands in the 21^st century.

“Axe to Grind” has a constant, relentless chugging rhythm, while “Bleed Out” has a menace and danger to its groove which goes some way to prove the toughness of the group. Dolan’s sneering, sarcastic and amusing lyrics tumble through a whirlwind of emotions- from threatening in “Pull Your Patch” to “Minotaur”’s story telling.

The bass lines Dolan provides create a deep rumbling thunder which screams of the influence of Lemmy, and is a great counterpoint to the frenetic energy of JJ Meraz’s drumming. TheMajorNelson’s guitar work moves steadily between chugging rhythms to more IRON MAIDEN-esque melodic lines, and then solos which bring a fire and punch to the album.

This release is a great, underground Rock/Metal album with plenty of Punky can-do attitude. As the band’s moniker states: "F**k the World!" They were born to defy and live to deny. If you like your Rock and Roll how it should be - with a whole load of balls and danger - check out this album.