Leatherjacks is back with its newly released third album titled Surviving The Beginning Of The End. This band from Sao Paulo, Brazil is only a one-man band! Mauro Cordeiro handles all aspects of the album’s creation, including writing, performing, mixing, mastering, and artwork. A small tidbit of trivia for you readers is that Cordeiro created the intro music for the radio show The Psychotic Stripshow hosted by Robert De Pasqua and I that used to air on CGCM Rock Radio, and we couldn’t have been more proud to have him do that.
Into the Beginning Of The End
The first track of the album, “Who Cowers Against The Law”, has a captivating cinematic opening that hooks your attention with a guitar riff reminiscent of Iron Maiden. The forceful lyrics grab you by the neck and demand your attention. The guitar solo is simple yet skillful, without any flashy or unnecessary notes. It’s just great guitar playing.
The song “Baby Hit and Run” has an excellent groove and even features some cowbell. Who doesn’t enjoy a bit of cowbell in their music? The lyrics flow smoothly and will have you nodding your head along in no time. I’m amazed by Mauro‘s ability to keep up with the pace without losing his breath. I suppose that’s why I prefer to listen to music rather than sing myself.
Surviving The Beginning
Third up is “The Last Will Be The First”. Not a banger, but a straightforward rocker, with some terrific harmonies and thought-provoking lyrics. Throughout this album, you might almost think it’s a concept album with its subject matter. However, speaking to Mauro numerous times (via chat) he is the type of person to question the real motives behind the world’s choices and isn’t just another sheep in the herd.
The song title “Mechanimals” may not be unique, but the artist makes it their own with a darker vocal tone and lower range to convey the mood. Despite some slower moments, the track has dynamic shifts and even features a fast, almost thrash-like section with an impressive guitar solo before returning to the original brooding atmosphere.
Beginning Of The End
Is the album really that brief? Absolutely not! This album consists of twelve tracks, with the title track appearing before even reaching the halfway point. “Surviving the Beginning of the End” has a swing-like quality to it that provides an enjoyable and catchy rhythm for the listener.
I think the album’s best song is located in the middle. “Dead and Gone” has a memorable chorus that stays with you. Mauro‘s singing style is distinct with a slightly rough tone that matches the musical style of all Leatherjacks‘ albums, but this one especially fits his vocals.
Flamenco Rock?
Moving toward the southern side of the album, you’ll come across the track “Somehow”. It’s probably the most diverse song on the album, featuring an acoustic guitar and bongos. While it’s not my personal favourite, it’s still impressive to hear the range of instruments that Mauro incorporates into his music.
“Miss Me When I’m Gone”, and “Ponce DeLeon” come next, and both have that feel of a Leatherjacks track for sure. “Jackers”, the name given to the fans of the band will not be disappointed in the least.
Final Three
As we approach the final three, we come to “This Time it’s Do or Die”, a speedy track that features the iconic influential Adrian Smith guitar sound. The vocals have a tougher 
edge, and the music itself is more aggressive. During my listening, I even noticed a slight growl in the vocals, reminiscent of classic heavy metal, rather than the cookie monster-style growl.
“Love You Need” is a high-energy rock song that features a variety of dynamic changes. It alternates between aggressive guitar riffs and harmonious vocals, culminating in a fantastic guitar solo. It’s the perfect choice for those who prefer raw, unpolished rock music over the heavily produced sound of modern music.
The song “Flying On Through The Stars” is the perfect ending to Surviving the Beginning Of the End. Well-written, it tells a captivating story and features solos, a rhythmic beat, and powerful vocals that command your attention.
Psychotic Thoughts
As mentioned before, Mauro does this band all on his own. Having a fanbase that eagerly awaits each new chapter from Leatherjacks he has proven that with hard work, talent, perseverance, and did I mention talent? You can even see a video of him online doing the artwork for the album’s cover. Whether you can appreciate the music of Leatherjacks or not, you have to give a tip of the hat to the fact that it is created by one man, in his own studio, and by doing so he has built up a loyal fanbase. I have all his albums…Will you?
Peace, and Keep Rocking!
Trevor “Psychoone” McDougall
Tracks:
- Who Cowers Against The Law
- Baby Hit And Run
- The Last Will Be The First
- Mechanimals
- Surviving The Beginning Of The End
- Dead And Gone
- Somehow
- Miss Me When I’m Gone
- Ponce DeLeon
- This Time Its Do Or Die
- Love You Need
- Flying On Through The Stars
Completely created By Mauro Corderio
BUY Leatherjacks: Leatherjacks Store / Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk
Furthermore, check out all my reviews: Trevor’s Archives
Email Me at Trevor “Psychoone” McD
Trevor and Rich, thank you so much for the amazing review, my friends!
It´s an honor to be part of the CGCM Rock Radio community and to be always so reckognized and so cheered by you guys!
I really red the article feeling joyfull, emotive and loaded with so much happiness and a giant smile crossing my face, ´cause when we are the creative mind behind it all, we kindda create that so-called “movie passing by”, you know?
So we remember all the difficulties, the process, the writing, producing, recording, errors, corrections, fixes, more productions, and so on… You know what I mean?
So it´s really an honor to have such amazing feedback and reckognizement from you guys!!
From the bottom of my heart: THANK YOU ALL =)
We Rock!!
Wish you all the best!
Cheers
Mauro