How timely – with the election cycle in full (nauseating ) force, political pundits and next door neighbors alike remind us of the freedoms we have and the freedoms at risk.
What a nice journey, then, to exercise freedom of speech while listening to the social conscience-charged Born To Rock collection from The Refusers. At times I felt like I was being enlighten; at other times, entertained. But, it’s definitely worth a listen!
In the title track, there’s this killer guitar riff that just stays with your brain. It’s pure rock – with a tinge of classic rock. Vocalist Michael Belkin leads the charge in this inspiring track.
“Wake Up America” really lets loose. Belkin’s disdain is equally matched with shrilling, spot-on, guitar orchestration. As the songs kept playing – “New York Times” (a jolly, upbeat piano music bed cascading alongside reality truths), “Hang The Bankers,” “Go Back to Sleep,” “Backlash” and so on, the idea popped in my head that Belkin’s limited vocal range is overshadowed by his rich personality. You can feel and hear his anger, his sadness, his empathy for his fellow man.
He reminds me quite a bit of Alice Cooper. No, not the makeup and parlor tricks (although you could envision some sort of be-heading on “Information Junkie”), but the style and ultra cynicism. He’s telling it like it is. He wants his listeners to know he’s seeing it for all it really is. Belkin’s rally call is to be informed and listen to his words.
It’s a ride – and it’s a deep thought process for listeners, but The Refusers remind listeners to refuse to give in and be aware in Born To Rock. I’m really liking it, but truth be told, it does take a few listens. Keep that fist up high for The Refusers!
