IndiePulse Reviews: Good Things by Wild Ride

Power Rock group Wild Ride have brought forth their recent release Good Things to the clamor of fand new and old. 9 rocking tracks of feel-good rock, wonderfully written and performed by Marek & Kerri in their signature style. A truly international rock’n’roll band, Wild Ride is based in Los Angeles, California where they have shared the stage with some of the greatest artists ever.

“I Wanna Know Where I’m Going.”   It is less hard rock and more of a personal piece that sounds as if it focuses on their relationship. They pick things up a little bit on “Hotter Than Fire.”  This is another previously released track.  This also reflects on the couple’s burgeoning relationship.  It features Connie Early, Paul Raskin, and Makeda Hawkins on background vocals.

“I’m Still Alive” by Wild Ride is inspired by Marek working hard to make a living as a musician, by playing music on weekends, at bars, and the Santa Monica Pier. It was also inspired by Kerri who survived a stroke, both continuing to live their dream of playing music, and hoping to inspire others to overcome their own obstacles and reach for their dreams.

Kerri plays bass here on “Hello Monsieur Mon Ami.”  It’s the dynamic duo’s first French song and was reportedly inspired by Marek’s time in France and by someone known as “the ‘Superhero Reader’ Tapahia Heke.”  This one provides the disc with a memorable change-up.   It features background vocals by Sistar Harmony a.k.a. Julie Rado.  

With a real “Do it yourself” band approach, they made their own video for YouTube, “Wild Ride, I’m Still Alive” near the pier with one of their bass players, Mark Ludmer.

Marek, once a member of the EMI-signed French rock band Tipsy Wit.  Their sole release is titled Songs and Dreams.  The band also opened for Iron Maiden. After relocating to L.A. to start fresh, Marek joined a cover band.  Marek met Kerri and asked her to be his songwriting partner and lyricist.  Kerri, a native New Zealander raised amidst Maori culture, had previously come to L.A. after discovering a sincere interest in a career in music. When the regular drummer left one night in 2010, Kerri was asked to sit in with the band.  The show was a success.  Marek bought her a drum-kit of her own and Wild Ride was born.

The performing pair’s rockin’ resume includes a number of independently produced singles and albums.  Marek was included in an ensemble of artists who set a Guinness World Book Record for “the largest guitar ensemble” at the popular Thanks Jimi Festival in Wroclaw, Poland.  The act also headlined at the Zlotoryja Days Festival.  Finally, their resume also includes recent and upcoming opening gigs for Adler’s Appetite, Albert Lee, Mark Farner, LA Guns, Bulletboys, Y&T, and Buckcherry.

Wild Ride’s signature sound is a musical mix of multiple rock music sub-genres.  Marek lists his early sources of inspiration as AC/DC, Kiss, UFO, Iron Maiden, and Jimi Hendrix.  Kerri was initially influenced by Bob Marley, Prince, UB40, and after being exposed to the live music scene in London, other acts such as Boy George, Eddie Grant, Maxi Priest, and Diana Ross. 

She also adds acts such as The Beatles, Abba, the Rolling Stones, Blondie, The Ramones, Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Police, “and reggae music in general.”  Finally, she also likes Motörhead’s drummer Phil “Philthy Animal” Taylor, Richie Ramone, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real and Steve Adler too.

The entire album is an amazing journey, and wild Ride takes you along to enjoy all the ups and downs in the music world they love. Good Things is an album is a new presentation of largely previously-released material.  This is why it often sounds as if they have been playing the material for years.  Hardcore fans will find the release to be welcomingly familiar and newcomers will be able to get an accurate idea of just what this tuneful twosome can do.  It’s highlighted by hard rock with strong riffs, exuberant guitar solos, and memorable melodies to boot.

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Article researched from material available at bands website, credits cited from hvy.com and anti-music