Robbie Rapids – Rock Ain’t Dead (2022)
Using his addictive jangling pop-rock sound, Robbie Rapids has taken us from youthful love in ‘Adolescent Lover’ to the nostalgic, yet insightful, reflections of ‘April’s Gonna Rain’. Now, he is paying homage to the hard rock, glam rock and metal of the late 80s and early 90s in ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’. Drawing on some of the earliest influences of his music, he crafts a song that hits all the right nostalgic notes and feels like it has come straight out of time.
While there is a familiar feeling for all those who love older rock, there is a contemporary infusion of Rapids’ unique style. With the music industry changing over the years, Rapids has captured some of this while paying tribute to the sound that has influenced not only him but many musicians. If the single on its own doesn’t capture this time for you, the accompanying music video just might.
The guitars that thrum through the opening of ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’ bring a touch of rock nostalgia that blends the sounds of the late 80s and early 90s. There is a hard rock trill to the sound, while the drums hit with a heavier vibe. It is a foot-tapping melody that touches on the best parts of old-school rock while injecting a breath of fresh life into it. As the single progresses, the drums march you through the soundscape while the guitars rise and shake you up on their ascent. At times, the melody takes a backseat for the vocals, before reasserting itself to let you know that classic rock is far from dead. You can feel Rapids’ love for the elements he has picked from different rock styles through the artful blending of them into a fusion ode to the emotions they stir in anyone who listens.
A touch of glam rock is introduced through Rapids’ vocal performance as he brings a blast of attitude to the track. Against the heavier rock stylings of the melody, his performance is bright as he takes you back in time. Through the lyrics, he pays tribute to the great bands of the past and the sheer joy he felt listening to them. As you head into the chorus, he touches on the changes in the music industry and how this type of rock has partially been lost to the sands of time. By the end of the chorus, he will have you shouting with him to bring back the rock sounds of the past. It is a really catchy performance that punches out with a shout for the music of his youth.
Through the fusion rock tones of ‘Rock Ain’t Dead’, Robbie Rapids pays tribute to the sound of his youth, while calling for some of it to come back. The melody is a wonderful interplay between heavy rock drums and soaring guitars. A touch of glam is added through the vocals as he connects with a love for old rock.
Find out more about Robbie Rapids on his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
