Track Review: Rock Ain’t Dead // Robbie Rapids
From jazz to rock and indie pop, Robbie Rapids has been in the music industry since the 90s. Best known for fronting a Tom Petty tribute band, the US-based singer-songwriter has the flair of rock with the tenderness of pop. With a similarity to Tom Petty in vocal and musical taste, he seems the ideal for fronting a Tom Petty tribute band; however, it is now that he has started releasing original music. Collaborating with prolific musician/producer David Levene, his discography draws influences from four decades of rock. The latest addition to this discography is the single ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’.
Following his well-received track ‘April’s Gonna Rain’, ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’ takes us on a personal journey with Robbie Rapids. Connecting with listeners in a more intimate way, he shares his inspiration, early influences and crafted a song that could fit in the late 80s/early 90s. Robbie shares that ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’ “…is my story of how I idolised hard rock/glam rock/metal…the rock music industry has changed much since when I was a kid, and this song tries to capture that.”
Reaching into the bowl of late 80s/early 90s rock, ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’ is just under four minutes of powerful old-school rock. From the bold guitars to pounding drums, the track oozes rock with several impressive guitar solos. Robbie shines through with his soothing vocals adding a smoothness to the hard-hitting song. The thing is, while there is a heaviness to the track, there is also a flowing quality in the melody. One of my favourite parts, and there are so many, is the guitar ending – one that Bon Jovi and Aerosmith would be proud of. In fact, given the power of the guitar-driven song, it may even give Guns ‘N Roses a run for their money.