REVIEW OF "MMXXII"
Many thanks to Joachim âJoeâ Brookes from Rocktimes.de for reviewing our new EP "MMXXII".
Here's the link to the German review and an English translation below. The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project / MMXXII â EP-CD-Review By Joachim "Joe" Brookes for rocktimes.de
Michael Vdelli and Marc Raner are The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project.
In terms of releases, the band got started in April 2016 with the single "Times Like These". This was immediately followed by the album "A Little Bit Closer".
These discs were recorded with bassist Leigh Miller and Hanser SchĂŒler (drums, percussion). They also sang background vocals on the two CDs.
Recorded at Bunker Studio, Hamburg, the Williams Brothers were responsible for recording, production, mixing and mastering.
"MMXXII" was released in 2022.
The two musicians Michael Vdelli and Marc Raner, who produced the CD, play on this record.
Michael Vdelli was responsible for the mixing and the mastering was done by Leroy Cleaver at Black Moon Productions and Batcave Studio, both in Perth, Australia.
A short information about the album can be read on The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project website:
The five songs introduce electronic elements into the band's music, which until now had focused on acoustic instruments only.
In just five songs, the duo successfully puts all their expertise on the line.
Equipped with diversity, The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project displays remarkable composure as well as music played with loose reins. This coolness is already evident in the album opening "Yellow Light". None of the protagonists play drums on the disc. The programming reflects a kind of warmth and the electric guitars riff very well. The yellow light shines a little on the country genre and the guitar solo is so soulful that it puts a crowning touch on the track.
At the other end of the track list we have "Turn It Up And Drive (Demo)".
The longest number is also effective because of the perfectly orchestrated percussion. This carries us through the song and the acoustic guitar moves excellently on the pillar of the blues at first. Then the atmosphere changes and the further six-string ride would have a rightful place on an album by, for example, Martin Kolbe & Ralf Illenberger or Leo Kottke. Then the piece also has a kind of hypnotic effect. Highlight!
Three songs remain between the two song supports of "MMXXII".
"Oh Yeah" conveys even more blues and Michael Vdelli's grating voice goes down very well with it. This song is also an announcement and pleases the people in front of the speakers.
"On The Hop" takes a clear step in the direction of rock. Again with Michael Vdelli's voice and a beautiful guitar solo, this jaunty number grabs the attention. There is a lot of energy flowing.
Even though the electric guitar makes itself felt more often in "Something Big" through flashes of lightning, this is a ballad where the sentimental vocals have a place.
Five songs with a lot of heart and soul.
The EP, simply titled "MMXXII", is a record that stands for the creative spirit of Marc Raner as well as Michael Vdelli.
It's an EP you'll want to listen to again and again.
Stay healthy and take time for good music to distract you.
Line-up The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project: Michael Vdelli (vocals, electric guitar, bass, programming) Marc Raner (electric guitars, acoustic guitars, bass, programming)
Tracklist "MMXXII": Yellow Light Oh Yeah On The Top Something Big Turn It Up And Drive (Demo)
Total playing time: 18:11, release year: 2022
Michael Vdelli und Marc Raner sind The Heavy Hitters Acoustic Project. Auf Veröffentlichungen bezogen legte die Band im April 2016 mit der S