West Gate stems from what most may refer to as the “typical-norm” in relation to the relentless life of rock stardom. Edgy, and yet classy, these five guys have put together something raw and natural in a genre that’s all about standing out.
“Daylight” was released this 14th of July (2009). Engineered by former West Gate guitarist, Ken Abel. Who bounced between two studios- Barbershop Studios in Lake Hopatcong and Treefort Studios in Hoboken, NJ- for tracking and mixing.
What may seem like a bit of a rocky road, stemming from their first full length album release titled “Daylight.” These boys are putting their best feet forward – Guitars in hand, and showing the world what they have to offer to this mainstream world of rock. Member changes, or not.
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For this review: We will all put aside the fact that we are not all Mike Portnoy-caliber, when it comes to drumming. That Zakk Wylde is a rare, never to be found again prodigy.
Now-a-days, a musician must work a 9-5 job just to buy back his soul that he has so willingly sold to the local music store. It costs more money than ever in this economy to create the magic which fills the gap of silence. “Daylight” is the music that was made between moments as they happened – and those moments when they are remembered.
West Gate paints that picture. What it felt like to see her, to want her… and to have her. In the fifth track on the album titled “Want it all”. A catchy, upbeat composition that makes you want to get up, out of your seats, and rock out.
“With Time” definitely could have been moved up on the Track listing. Coming in at the ‘leading up to the best for last slot’ at Track 10. “With Time” had me taking my volume knob, and cranking it up. Peter Kelly’s vocals show more dynamics in this one song, then they do in the entire album. He starts off with roaring, strong, emotional lyrics. Taking you into the chorus, and keeping you there. Dynamically, he also has this quiet, seductive Brandon Boyd(Incubus) voice in the quieter parts.
One thing that stands out on this album, are the Tracks 9 “Alive Again”, 10 “With Time”, and 11 “Fiction”. They are titled in parts (I, II, III). These tracks flow together seamlessly. On a side note: the guitar solos throughout this album are totally solid.
One thing that I still am wondering and I can’t quite imagine is walking into the studio and saying “Okay guys, today we’re going to record a cover of ‘Kissed By A Rose’.” I hope for the rock rep of these boys, it has a sentimental purpose to the record. Preferably, to hear a bit more close-mic’ing used on the drums would be more effective to the overall performance.
All in all, it’s definitely safe to say that these guys will hit it off just fine in the rock world. With a little more experimentation, a solid line-up of members, and great marketing via the world-wide record label – The Internet… This much passion all on one stage is bound for success!
Favourite Tracks on the Album: “Gaslight” “With Time” “Rebirth”
Musicians on the album:
Peter Kelly – vocalist
Kurt Andrews – guitarist
Robert Struck – bassist
George Roskos – drummer
Ken Abel – guitarist
After a few member changes the current line-up is:
Peter Kelly – vocalist
Kurt Andrews – guitarist/bassist
Alex Goldenthal- guitar
George Roskos – drummer
Nice review! I got a real sense of the up and comingness of the band. I’ll be keeping an ear out to follow their success.
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