Paradise Place
HPH, 2023
8/10
The Southern California veteran rockers Pump5 return with 10 hook and riff filled rock tunes, where frontman Steven Barnett is in fine form alongside Drew Cates, Andre Bonter, and Alex Kane.
The intense and hard hitting “Hello” starts the listen with Barnett’s fierce vocals complemented by Bonter’s intense drums in the anthemic climate, and “Make Me” follows with Kane’s swirling guitar adding much melody to the gritty yet tuneful presence.
“End Of We” and “Junkman” occupy the middle spots, where the former is a bit more subdued and showcases Cates’ skilled bass chops, while the latter is full of fist pumping and soaring energy that could fill arenas.
Close to the end, the punky spirit of “Break’N Down” spotlights the lively rhythm section amid Barnett’s diverse pipes, and “Cheers” exits with an instant sing-along demeanor that warrants repeated listens.
The members of Pump5 have a history playing in legendary outfits like The Poorboys and Enuff Z’Nuff, and their often ‘90s rock influenced sound will certainly strike a chord with fans of Buckcherry, Lit and Stone Temple Pilots, and you certainly won’t hear me complain about that.
Travels well with: Aeges- Drømmen; Oh Lonesome Ana- Megadeth Tee