HighWay to Heaven
French outfit HighWay are back with their sixth full-length album and, (spoiler alert), what an absolute stunner it is.
They’ve been on the scene for 25 years, and in that period, they’ve honed their not inconsiderable skills to the highest level. Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll proves that beyond all doubt.
Following 2022’s acoustic album The Journey, the band decided it was high time to return to the land of balls-out rock ‘n’ roll, and have produced a certified gem.
With an album line-up consisting of Ben Chambert (main songwriter) on guitar, Benjamin Folch on vocals, Sam Marshall (occasional songwriting contributor) on bass and Romain Chambert on drums, the guys have pulled out all the stops.
Riffing aplenty, great lyrics, superb solos, power, melody, emotion, and more hooks than a fisherman’s hut. Have I missed anything?
The album title, Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll, is a pun on the saying “last call for alcohol”, shouted in bars when it’s time for last orders. Before I read that information, I took it as rock ‘n’ roll’s last chance. If it is indeed rock ‘n’ roll’s last chance, then this album ensures the genre is well and truly alive and kicking.
Kick Off
Kicking off, the title track is pure rock ‘n’ roll. Catchy as hell and gets you in the mood for the rest of the record. Sizzling solos and riffs set us up nicely.
“Hi-Way” follows and continues the rock ‘n’ roll vibe, albeit slightly more subdued. Some nice Steve Vai affectations early on with a Muse feel later. Cool track.
Folch’s vocals are distinct with the bonus of the French accent, similar in a way to Klaus Mein’s German-accented vocals. He has a slightly raspy vocal which is suited to the many styles of track on the album.
“Bang Bang!” changes things up slightly with its comment on “living a fantasy-filled superficial life or choosing a simpler life shaped by fear, judgment, and moral consequence” – the band’s words. Musically, it’s a belter with funky guitar work and some great drum fills. Some may compare the feel to Nickelback’s “Rock Star,” but I wouldn’t dare do that…
Movie
“Nineties Action Movie” speaks for itself and is a boogie-laden nod to our (people of a certain age) favourite movies of the decade.
“Peace Out” is a much more serious and classy affair, documenting the end of a long relationship. Beautiful melody envelops heartfelt vocals. The pick of the bunch for me,
More emotion next but of the acoustic variety with “Mayday”. A track which invokes Simon and Garfunkel vibes, but don’t let that put you off. Melancholic vocals about mourning the loss of a loved one could well bring a tear to your eye.
Go!
A return to faster tempo now, which is very welcome. “Go!, Go!, Go!” is a stormer of a track, picking you up and dragging you towards fist pumping, screaming euphoria. A toe-tapping, head nodding, singalong belter.
The pace continues with “Let Me”, including an exceptionally uplifting guitar solo from Ben Chambert.
The mood is once again taken down on “D.K.-D.C.”, but power is still there. It’s Don’t Know Don’t Care, if you hadn’t figured that one out. Basically fuck the haters, live your own life. Folch puts extra spite into his vocals on this one, to great effect.
“Rat Race” follows the well-trodden path of music over the decades bemoaning the drudgery of life on the hamster wheel for what? Nothing much really. Despite its depressing subject matter, it’s still a rockin’ winner that you can get fully into.
Heavy
The fastest and heaviest track on Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll is “Action”, which is more of an instruction than a noun. Get out there and rock!
Completing the album is “(Don’t) Look Back”, which possesses a multitude of parts. There’s rockabilly, a Queen riff, a slow build-up to a delicately played solo, increased emotion, an Eagles riff and a gentle finish. Five minutes gone in the blink of an eye. Truly beautiful.
I really love this album; it really does have everything that your rock ‘n’ roll heart desires.
Future
Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll represents the past, present and future of rock ‘n’ roll. We are all in safe hands with HighWay.
The album was actually released last year via Rock City Music but they’re giving it another well-earned push.
Do yourselves a favour, you won’t regret it.
BUY: Last Call For Rock ‘n’ Roll
Check out my other articles and reviews here. Sparky
