Customer Reviews
Don't slam the door on this one! 
2008-05-08
Americans are often tagged by other cultures as arrogant. This misperception can be quite undeserved; after all, some things just ARE. Take, for example,the fact that the U.S. is the home of the Blues (music, that is). Anybody who's anybody came out of Memphis, or Louisiana. Right? We hold the same title for Country music, with Nashville serving as the mecca for that genre.
After one listen to Roll Away by Back Door Slam, whose members harken from the Isle of Man (smack dab in the center--er, make that centre!--of the British Isles), you will likely agree the U.S. claim of dominance in these music styles IS pure arrogance, or at least on very shaky ground. Pop in their CD and you feel instantly transported to a dark, smoky bar somewhere on Beale Street, or maybe the French Quarter, where you're kicked back in your chair, sipping the recommended beverage of the night and jammin' to some good old fashioned hearty Blues...or is it Country Rock? The "flavor" of Slam's music is hard to peg but that adds to its listenability (and arguably saleability). Toss the Blues Brothers in with Bob Seger and a hearty dash of Joe Cocker, shake-n-bake, and you might have an approximation of the tone of 'Roll Away'. (Other critics have likened the guitar playing to--gasp!--the Lord of the Strings, Jimi Hendrix.)
The catchy intro to the love-gone-wrong lead tune Come Home sucks the listener in and not one of the tunes that follow let them go. Other stand-outs are the spookily-overtoned Heavy on My Mind, the wistful cover tune Roll away, and the gem of the album, Stay, written for a comrade too soon departed and exquisite in its heartfelt simplicity. No matter if you're a fan of blues, rock or country, Roll Away is a CD not to be missed.
Finally, a new guitar god! 2008-05-04
These guys are FABULOUS. The guitar work is outstanding and BDS sounds like they've been playing together 30 years instead of 4. It's hard to believe they are only 20 and 21 years old. Finally someone young is here knockin' on Clapton's door. They have real staying power.
Superstars! 2008-05-02
If you haven't heard Back Door Slam, you haven't heard the newest superstars in blues rock! Pick the greats -- Clapton, Hendrix, Knopfler, BB King, Johnson, Satriani, Gibbons -- and young (now 21) Davy Knowles has obviously learned from each in developing his own incredible guitar style. With band members Ross Doyle and Adam Jones, BDS will dazzle you with "It'll All Come Around" and "Come Home". Listen close to the more subtle but equally brilliant acoustic work on songs like "Stay". Buy it, listen to it over and over, and share it with your friends. BDS is the real thing, and Davy Knowles will soon be seen on the same pedestal with the greats of the guitar world. --Gary Stone, Texas
great band 2008-05-01
I saw these guys live at the swamp in spanish fort. I have never seen guitar playing like this. This cd is a must have for any blues, rock, or guitar fan. I talked with Davey Knowles, the lead singer and guitar, and he is a stand up guy, down to earth. buy this cd.
Brilliant - You Must Listen to This Music 2008-04-25
You absolutely must listen to this music. Back Door Slam has the most refreshing sound that I have heard in a long time. This young group is way ahead of their time. Davy Knowles and his mates will blow you away. Can't wait for their next album/CD.
Killer 2008-06-19
This band's for real. Music is killer. Just saw them at Bonnaroo and they were soooooooo good! Even better live, but get the cd. You won't be disappointed.
Excellent 2008-06-19
This is one of the most diverse groups I have ever heard.
Take a little jazz, add a little bit of blues, throw a hand full of alternative rock, and a pinch small pinch of country, mix it all up and what you've got is this work of art. And they are even better live.
Close 
2008-06-13
Man, this kid can play guitar.
Good 1st disc - a little weak in the lyrics,
I think.
Cant wait to hear what they do next.
The torch has been passed 2008-05-20
These blokes are awesome. They're playing the club circuit these days but it may not be long before they're doing amphitheaters and arenas so see them while you still can in an intimate venue. This album is everything I expected and then some--unplugged to my delight.
Ms. Piccolo87 2008-05-09
Davey Knowles is nothing less than brilliant. This is an amazing CD. The guitar work is brilliant. Its hard enough to play rhythm guitar while singing, let alone the brilliant licks Knowles handles without effort. The guitar is literally an extension of his voice. I hear Clapton, Cray, and Jimi influences, but Knowles has a style all his own.
The guitar work would stand alone to make this CD wonderful, but Knowles vocal style and ability is amazing as well.
Not to overlook the rest of the band, base player and drummer are equally matched to Knowles prowess. Its a GREAT band.
Rock on, Back Door Slam. Give me more.
