Wild & Restless
Rum Bar, 2025
9/10
A band since 2020, this sophomore album from Slamdinistas shows the quintet expanding on their rock’n’roll template with plenty of diversity.
The charged guitars of “Where I Belong” opens the listen with front man Gabriel Johns’ raw yet tuneful pipes and Brian Irving’s thumping drums making an impression, and the title track continues the energy with an energetic punk flavor that benefits much from Peter Downing’s bouncy bass.
Moving towards the middle, “Weather The Storm” showcases Loren Molinare’s playful guitar amid much melody, while “Latch Key Kids” is allows for the precise rhythm section and Mike Gavigan’s meticulous guitar to shine in the rugged but harmonic album highlight.
Residing close to the end, “Should Have Known Better” is a more cautious moment that’s still plenty gritty in a retro-rock sort of way, and “I’m Okay”, the last tune before a pair of alternate versions of an earlier song, recruits power and emotion into the sing-alongs and anthemic climate.
Slamdinistas have an incredible resume that includes playing in bands like FiDo, Adam Sandler Band, the Blessings and Pat Todd & the Rankoutsiders, and their collective strength makes for a bluesy, country and punk fueled rock affair that you won’t soon forget.
Travels well with: The Hollywood Stars- Starstruck; Ellen Foley- Fighting Words