Hard Rock
Independent Release
Release Date – August 28th 2026
Review By Smudge Smith
Kelowna are from Scotland – doesn’t say where abouts and they formed in 2024. They wasted no time in knocking out an EP which I haven’t heard however if it’s anything like this then I’ll be obtaining a copy quick!
Unashamedly classic rock they have a real modern edge, and I can hear traces of UFO, FM and Uriah Heep. Opener ‘Midnight Rider’ has a dark vibe and rolls along perfectly on a chunky riff and a warm organ underneath. ‘Second Place’ is mid paced and grooves on a stop start riff before new single ‘Wild And Free’ brings some bright keys and a melodic guitar line. Singer Davy Wilson tells a story that I can relate to about a previous relationship. ‘Raven Lady’ is another fine rocker before we get ‘Meet You’ which is a beautiful power ballad that is right up FM’s alley. ‘Wordsmith’ brings some funk and some more of that warm organ before ‘Insanity’ starts with Simon Amos’ bass intro and gets a bit more modern before the crashing intro and dark guitar line of ‘Monster’ comes in with a kind of outlaw country feel. The emotional ‘Song For Cathy’ is a wonderful tribute to someone taken far too soon. Final cut ‘Faith In The Music’ builds over dome synth and guitar sounds before it gives us some eastern flavour that goes into a celtic groove with a Rory McEwan’s military snare. The power chords come in and we get a Jockanese version of UFO at their best.
I really enjoyed this. The songs are beautifully crafted with some superb guitar lines and solo’s from Paul Mooney (where has he been hiding?) and singer Davy Wilson stays in his lane wonderfully. Great production too.
Track List
Midnight Rider
Second Place
Wild And Free
Raven Lady
Meet You
The Wordsmith
Insanity
Monster
Song For Cathy
Faith In The Music
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