Rok Ali And The Addiction: Pulse
(Self Released)
Digital Only
Rok Ali And The Addiction share the grinding and dark new single Pulse. The title track from the band’s new album, the single captures the hard rock intensity and ferocious yet considered sound palette which characterises the bands sound.
Fronted by the dynamic Rok Ali, the new single fuses the grit of grunge with the dense, ominous tones of hard rock and metal. The result is a sound that pays homage to 80s rock nostalgia while feeling distinctly modern, thanks to its crisp, in-your-face production. The band, composed of seasoned talents, boasts guitarist Chris Nix, who has collaborated with everyone from James Brown’s band to Jonathan Davis of Korn; bassist Lee Beverly, a rock mainstay with nearly two decades supporting Eddie Money; and drummer Kevin Murphy, known for his powerful, versatile rhythms. Together, they create a soundscape that captures the depth and versatility of contemporary rock.
With guitars thick and almost glitching with fuzz, grinding riffs weave a murky texture over tight, driving drums and anchoring bass. Ali’s lead vocals cut through, providing a hypnotic hook layered with psychedelic nuances, enhanced by boxy reverb, distortion, and modulation effects that swirl through the track.
Channelling the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, and Incubus, the song’s steady, relentless rhythm builds a sense of suspense and intensity, giving it a slow head-bang feel rather than a full circle pit intensity.
Ali describes Pulse as “a reflection of growth and an invitation to change”, a central theme throughout the album, where the lyrics explore the highs and lows of modern life.
Pulse is already gaining traction, having earned official GRAMMY consideration and a spot on the ballot for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards, an early indication that Pulse is resonating with rock fans and critics alike.
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All words by Simon Lucas-Hughes. More writing by Simon Lucas-Hughes can be found at his author’s archive.
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