Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
Dirty Honey is a name that has become synonymous with today’s state of rock and roll. Drenched in classic motifs à la Guns N’ Roses or Aerosmith, the group break out of the mold on their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Can’t Find the Brakes.
Dirty Honey – comprised of Marc LaBelle/vocals, John Notto/guitar, Justin Smolian/bass, and new drummer Jaydon Bean – have long been carrying the torch for high-charged rock, with electric live shows that have sent them globetrotting for years on end.
This past April, the group headed to the beautiful shores of Australia to record their new record with long-time producer Nick DiDia (Rage Against The Machine, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots). Unlike the band’s self-titled debut, which was recorded via Zoom due to the pandemic’s restrictions, Dirty Honey spent an entire month in the studio with DiDia and rejoiced in their unhurried, plentiful creative freedoms.
After the smash success of their introductory EP (2019) and debut album (2021), both self-titled, the L.A. rockers still remain independent and as inspired as ever. Without forgoing the blazing classic rock sound that garnered their fan base, they have opted for a soulful, blues-rock approach that feels equally as natural. This shift in sound does not stray far, yet sends the band soaring on the right trajectory as they evolve and writers, musicians, and performers.
The album’s leading single “Won’t Take Me Alive,” now Top 10 at Rock Radio, marked their return with a bang in the literal, take-no-prisoners banger. Fueled with an invigorating gusto, Marc LaBelle’s vocals reach new extremes in both his range and expert control, while the band rip into their instruments with an impassioned fervor.
The record’s opening track, “Don’t Put Out The Fire,” rages with the same intensity and serves as an unmistakable reminder of the band’s talents. Bringing this track to life on the road this past summer, it surely is a number that ignites a crowd with its compelling, easy-to-sing lyrics.
“Coming Home,” “You Make it Alright,” “Ride On” and “Rebel Son” are all standouts, each with a unique twist that highlights each member’s breadth of talent and aspiration. Proving they are well-versed in genre, they easily flow in and out of rock, blues, and folk hues that illuminate the record.
Wearing their inspirations on their sleeves, notes of reveled acts seep through into each song, yet in an entirely fresh, Dirty Honey way. Their latest single, the Smolian-composed “Coming Home (Ballad of the Shire),” is ripe with 70s folk-rock dwellings reminiscent of a Zeppelin torch song or the Allman Brothers’ intricate plucking. Its luscious nuances stand out as an evolved and complex version of the band we’ve yet to hear, despite the age-long tale of missing home after long stretches on the road. Even with their storied touches, Dirty Honey hold the innate ability to make any concept new.
The sultry “Dirty Mind” oozes with LaBelle’s inherent frontman star power and tongue-in-cheek lyricism. “I keep my hands clean but you know I have a dirty mind” is a line that punches just as hard as the rhythm section. The following “Roam” scorches with vivacious guitar work by Notto and LaBelle’s most raw performance to date. It is a career-defining track that channels the soulful breadth of Dirty Honey’s prowess, and certainly LaBelle’s vocal range. Playing as an instant classic for the band, it only increases excitement for the heights the band will continue to reach.
Title track “Can’t Find The Breaks” reverberates with an unwavering energy that stimulates the album’s middle section and follows a couple of their slower offerings. Jaydon Bean punctuates many impactful moments throughout the record, but it is here that listeners are once again reminded of his plentiful contributions to the band. Filling out their sound with a dynamic effervescence that surges in power and highlights particular phrases (“No red lights are gonna slow her down / Drive this life straight through the ground”).
With an unabashed vigor, “Rebel Son” concludes the album with a victorious slow-burn like a shot of whiskey. Lyrics “They said nowhere is where I’m bound to be the moon’ll light my way / Too many places that I’ve gotta see, here I could never stay / Like a rolling wheel beneath my heels I’ll make a memory” solidifies their rock ’n roll lifestyle. It is not a part to be played, but truly a sickly sweet honey coursing through their veins.
As the first unsigned band to top the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart, Dirty Honey have consistently paved their own course, on their own terms. In that same fashion, tracks off their latest effort exemplify this determination in a wayward, steadfast amalgamation. Their passion and execution cements Dirty Honey as one of the most exciting rock bands on the scene, with a tool belt of new skills ready to be put to good use. Capable of anything, the promise of what is next is just as exciting as the music itself. Dirty Honey have proven that they can’t find the brakes and do not plan on slowing down any time soon.
Can’t Find The Brakes is out everywhere now. Catch Dirty Honey on their “Can’t Find The Brakes!! Tour” now. Read our conversation with Dirty Honey’s Justin Smolian and Jaydon Bean here.
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