Album Review: Ron Gallo’s ‘Heavy Meta’
Written by Coog Radio on February 20, 2017
Heavy Meta is a guitar-riff filled, garage rock and roll, rootsy, eclectic album by Philadelphia-bred rock musician Ron Gallo.
The former lead singer of Toy Soldiers released his new album via Nashville-label, New West records—his music embracing passion and unpretentious, old school homage.
Although the rock and roll aesthetic of the 1960s and 1970s is not all that realistic these days, Gallo is proof that “rock and roll” is beyond an image or a lifestyle—it’s simply good rock and roll songs. Heavy Meta is packed full of them.
The opener on the record, “Young Lady, You’re Scaring Me,” sets the tone for the album conveying explosive confidence with heavy guitar riffs and old school rhythms.
One element that stands out in this album beyond is its lyrical confrontation and cynic humor.
The psychedelic “Kill the Medicine Man” is an attack on the privatization, exploiting, and over medication that underpins America’s healthcare system. “Why Do You Have Kids?” addresses the deterioration of the family and how violence and lack of success are inherited from one generation to the next.
Gallo criticizes modern punks in his closing ballad, “All the Punks are Domesticated,” as he takes on aging rockstars, public health and condemns the contemporary state of affairs.
The softer tunes of“Don’t Mind the Lion” and “Black Market Eyes” are both sad and lovely—and just as captivating as the rest of the album.
Gallo emits confidence with his impressive composition and his fearless stare into the unknown future is both inspiring and chilling.
Heavy Meta as a title alone may seem like a simple banter but both words ring true. It is compiled of intoxicating that is music definitely worth a listen.
8/10
By Rebekah Barquero
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