With the release of their cheeky new album 'Ripper
'23', Hard-Ons have consolidated gains made on their
last album - #4 ARIA Album charting 'I'm Sorry Sir, That
Riff's Been Taken' - and are making music with
astounding vigour and purpose. Which is amazing for a
band getting primed for their 20th European tour!
'I'm Sorry Sir, That Riff's Been Taken' was the first
record made by the band's current line-up. With new
kid/old fan Tim Rogers now ingrained and making
increased contributions - last time he came on board
when the songs were mostly written and studio time
already booked - Ripper 23 is a bit more layered, and
main songwriter Blackie has written with Tim's voice in
mind. It's still 100% Hard-Ons though, and from the
punky blast of first single "Apartment for Two" to the
big balls riffing of "In Falls Everything", the record is
shot through with big hooks and an unstoppable
surging sonic power along with some sweet production
touches. And like the nasty TV-advertised '70s hits
compilation the album takes it's title and cover art
inspiration from, Ripper 23 is all over the shop (in a
good way), highlighting the group's stylistic versatility.