Track Of The Day: Headrush
Headrush are a band from Stoke with a real penchant for what they term ‘aggro-glam’. What’s it all about? Find out through the latest Track Of The Day. Check out all the recent Tracks Of The Day.
Words: Sleazegrinder
It’s been a good four-ish years since I last checked in with Brit riff-mongers Headrush. At the time, they were just releasing their debut single, Livin’ In A Fantasy, but they’d already amassed a horde of diehard fans. It’s no surprise why: their sound, a hell-for-leather pummelling of Skid Row-esque aggro-glam, was intoxicating stuff, perfect for a late-night punch-up or a boozy lost weekend. A lot’s happened since then – an EP was released, thousands of faces were rocked, roofs were thoroughly torn off, etc. Most recently, the band’s line-up shuffled radically, and the new crew bashed out a fearsome debut album, the soon-to-be released Just Bring It On.
In mere moments, we will sample one of the long-player’s many sonic delights, but first, let us catch up with Headrush’s resident visionary, guitarist Chris ‘The Tramp’ Khosa.
What’s happened to the band since we last spoke? Seems like there’s been a lot of major changes.
“Like a lot of bands recently, we’ve gone through some changes. Our drummer, bassist and other guitarist all left the band. Since then, we’ve had a few members drift in and out. All brought something great to the band, but ultimately it wasn’t to be with some of them. We now have a settled line-up that is the best we’ve had. That’s not some fake promise, it’s the truth. We dropped on with the right musicians, with the right look, talent and commitment. Myself and our singer Andy have remained, and we are now back out there with a lot more to show for it.”
What was it like making the new record? Any anecdotes from the studio?
“It was quite simply the Chinese Democracy of unsigned bands. We have spent over £10,000 making it over the course of three years. We had two millionaires offer to invest in us – one that actually did. Two managers of well-known bands came this close to signing us, and then, finally, a bunch of members leave, which led to us to remove five tracks and record new ones, as well as revamp some of the existing tracks to make them more up to date. Overall, it’s been a rollercoaster ride without the fame. Working with Pete Coleman (AC/DC, Black Sabbath) on the original mixes was great, so was working with Paul Hume, from Summerbank Studios in Stoke, on the new tracks. I think we have a better album now than we did originally, but it’s been a difficult and long process getting there. As far as anecdotes go, Pete telling us about certain rock stars that owe him money was interesting, as well as stories of Black Sabbath giving their A&R man mixes of joke recordings to scare the shit out him when the album masters were due.”
So, you’ve got skulls and blood and mayhem on the CD cover. Please explain.
“It’s very metal. Basically, its a zombified guy who has skulls exploding out of the top of his head whilst grabbing for you. Basically a mix of the band name Headrush and the title Just Bring It On. There is a new, simpler cover being designed as we speak, featuring the same character, It was illustrated by a very talented artist named Vicky Pilsworth (www.myspace.com/boo_01).
Best gig you’ve played lately?
“We did a good show with Marshall Law and Attica Rage recently. Also our last headline show at The Sugarmill in Stoke was good, played in front of a sold-out 400 strong crowd that was well up for it. We have been offered The Ibiza Hard Rock Hell Road Trip for next year, as well as a few other good tours and gigs that I can’t talk about until something is set in stone.”
What’s there been more of in the band so far – puke or blood?
“Definitely puke! Most of it from our singer, he pukes a lot. There’s also been a bit of blood too, like the time my finger decided to slice open during a pick scrape and bled all over my Les Paul during a gig, not fun. There’s always blisters with drummers too. It’s a dirty job.”
Preferred Headrush beverage?
“Speaking for myself, either Leffe or Hoegaarden. I think our singer is in love with many fine ales, he even has the T-shirts.”
Have you given any thoughts to on stage props?
“If we could afford to, I’d make us the second Kiss, but right now that’s not really an option.”
Three bands that Classic Rock readers would probably love (besides Headrush, of course) if they only knew about ‘em?
“Hollywood Tease, Blue Origin and Bad Attitude.Three bands from the local scene in Stoke. It would be nice if Slash and Lemmy paid some attention to the great rock bands from their hometown. We’d love their help!”
So there you go. Millionaires, puking, blood, ale-guzzling, zombies… and Kiss. That pretty much sums up the Headrush experience. As for Just Bring It On, it’s a guns-blazing war on civility, stacked and packed with 80s-style headbanger anthems with plenty of Angus-fried slabbage and Maiden-esque chug, and it’s all topped off with the classic bare-chested howling of frontman Andy Law. You will raise lighters to the sky, you will tie headbands tightly around your skull, you will throw horns with wild abandon.
Need proof? Here, courtesy the band, is the title track.
http://rapidshare.com/files/364819965/Just_Bring_It_On.mp3
Want more? Check out Headrush’s MySpace page: www.myspace.com/headrushbringiton