The Ritz
On the Run EP

By Will Hollonds

I first saw ‘The Ritz’ live in mid 2011 and I thought they were great! Little did I know that they had an EP coming out soon and it would be this good!!

With loud, Joan Jett style guitars and a great rhythm section ‘The Ritz’ have produced a great Hip shakin’ rock and roll CD named ‘On the Run.’

The title and opening track ‘On the Run’ kicks off with a great, loud fashion and pretty much sums up what this band is about. This band obviously has balls and plan to do things their way, not following trends and just sticking to their guns. This is one of the highlight tracks on the EP for me.

‘Look, Listen’ and ‘Beggin’ for More’ are two more great tracks with great grooves, that, as I write this make me start stamping my foot and singing along.

‘The Black Dog’ is easily my favourite track on the EP. With a slowed down approach and acoustic guitars blended in nicely with the main electric riff, vocalist and guitarist James Burke definitely knows how produce a killer rock ballad. The vocals and guitars on this track really are a highlight for me and from the first time I ever heard this song, I was pretty much in love.

‘Talk is Cheap’ is a pretty straight forward rock tune with a great rhythm section from bass player Theo Batchelor and drummer Rod Berry.

‘Smokin’ Blues’ concludes the album with a great track from James Burke playing his guitar and, as the track name suggests, playing the blues. Same catchy blues licks are melded into the main riff, a great way to finish the album.

‘The Ritz’ is a young band that has definitely caught the attention of people’s eyes recently and has produced a great EP here. These Tassie boys are definitely a band to check out if you love your rock. And if you get this EP, as it says in the CD booklet – ‘WARNING- play this fucker LOUD! Recommended volume setting-11!!!!!!!!!’ It really does sound better loud!