Album: Rockit Science
Artist: Workout
Straight from Brooklyn, New York, comes the rock and roll band Workout with their second album Rockit Science, which was recorded in New York with Vacation Island Music. Their first self-titled album was released three years earlier and can only be purchased either in New York City or on the band’s website. The four piece band brings back the days of old style rock and roll with the musical stylings of Queen, Twisted Sister, and David Bowie, so if You’re a rock fan definitely check these guys out.
Their album is full of life, vigour, and songs that you’ll find yourself humming long after you’ve listened to them. The first track of the album, “Life Is a Nightmare”, will make you tap your feet to the brilliant rhythm, that is, unless you break out into full on dancing like yours truly did! Despite the pessimistic lyrics of the song, which holds true to the tradition of rock and roll, I find myself falling in love with the bass guitar playing that sets the mood perfectly for the song.
The rest of the album features the versatility of the band, demonstrating that not only are they able to play many different styles of rock, but that they can rival bands such as Wolfmother with their intense electric guitar sound.
It is nice to see how much they incorporate their musical influences. The track “Are You Ready?” vibrates with vocals that sound a lot like David Bowie. Workout is not out to redefine rock and roll, instead the band is striving to remind us what rock and roll fans love about the musical genre: epic face-melting electric guitar, heart throbbing bass, aggressive drums, and vocals that make you want to sing, dance, and love the music.
Also, be sure to check out the video for “Life Is a Nightmare”. Not only is there some great cinematography of Brooklyn, but the video captures the overall tone and message of the song. Featuring a Cher impersonator, the video is imaginative and thought provoking, and I found myself smiling and loving every second of the video. I can definitely see myself watching this video and singing along on those bad days.
Furthermore, like the rock bands of days gone by, Workout strives to challenge the conventions of society that exist today. This unruliness is evident in the video. When I first began watching, I was immediately reminded of Twisted Sister. Workout’s choice of actors and setting make the viewer think beyond the music and realize that there are issues and situations out there that most don’t consider or aren’t willing to think about. Truly, Workout is a band made up of rebels that know how to bring to light the struggles of day-to-day life with music.
I am so happy to see a rock and roll band that not only draws from the classics, but also adds a flare of their own as well. This is definitely one band that I would love to see live one day. I have a feeling that they would put on a great show.
Samantha Stevens is an aspiring writer who loves combining her love for literature with photography, painting, music, and all creative pursuits.
