Michael Monroe – Shinola – Single Review – Wilful and Sullivan

Review By Darren McIntyre

Matti Antero Kristian Fagerholm, aka Michael Monroe, is a singer/songwriter/musician from Helsinki, Finland, who is best known as frontman for Hanoi Rocks. Hanoi Rocks brought us their infectious brand of glam rock / glam metal from 1979 through to 1985 when they split after the untimely passing of their drummer Nicholas ‘Razzle’ Dingley. After the split, Michael concentrated on his solo work, which spanned from 1985 till 2001. 2002 sees the reformation of Hanoi Rocks, which would see them rock out once again till 2009. 2010 sees Michael launch his solo outfit career that has given us 12 solo records to date. Roll on the 20th Feb, as this sees Michael release solo record no. 13 in the form of Outerstellar, which has given us 2 singles to date. Today Michael brings us the 3rd release from Shinola, which I will be reviewing for you today.

cool,Shinola – The track begins with a real barnstorming intro that brings a thundering rhythm section that hits us with a snare / bass combo that really lets the track breath. The soaring guitar riffs are bringing the track together as Michael leans in and unleashes his powering, melodic vocals that lets the track tell it’s own story as the cool, deep low end kicks in the doors and brings us a real meaty funk groove as the boys shift through the gears and hit us with all they have with this epic bruiser. The track has depth, swagger and attitude as we have come to expect from Michael and the boys as the groove builds with slick, clean licks that really add some beef to this foot stomping monster as we feel the energy oozing from every member of this colossal band. The lyrics are just dripping with a cool raspy tone as the track wraps itself around us and won’t let us loose until we hit the repeat button to let us feel the tone wander through the arrangement as it builds and builds and really grabs our attention.

–Michael Monroe  –

-Hat                            Michael Monroe – Vocals / Saxophone / Harmonica / Multi Hat Wearer

–                            Steve Conte  –  Guitar / Backing Vocals

                            Rich Jones – Guitar / Backing Vocals

                            Sami Yaffa – Bass / Backing Vocals

                            Karl Rockfist  –  Drums

Track Listing –

                      Shinola