Hot Laser, once the kingdom’s favourite glam-rockers, have released a new album, and formally announced to heartbroken fans that they’ve broken up.
The CDs for the latest release “Narcissism” are now available in Bahrain and features a celebrity guest appearance of legendary US country music performer, Rusty Golden.
Lead vocalist Robert ‘Rob Jungle’ Jennings said: “There are many reasons in my opinion why this album is special but, firstly, it was certainly not rushed.
“Over the course of five to six years, every single note, lyric and beat was meticulously recorded in the studio on a song-by-song basis.
“Secondly, this album was fully recorded in Bahrain with a range of local musicians making it truly something I hope the organic Bahrain rock scene can be proud of. And thirdly, it is a testament and homage to good old-fashioned 80s rock with booming choruses that are uplifting and fun.”
Recording was carried out at Studio 77 in Adliya under the management of producer Hani Taqi. The process started with Rob laying down a ‘skeleton demo’ of the song on either piano or rhythm guitar and providing ‘scratch vocals’. Once this foundation was laid down, drums were added using the metronome, followed by bass, then left/right rhythm guitar, lead guitar, lead vocals and, lastly, harmonies.
“It was also a privilege to have Grammy-nominated Rusty Golden appear on the track ‘Night Bus’,” Rob added. “The song was inspired by a tortuous journey through the Rocky Mountains I took one summer in Canada, and Rusty plays the role of the bus driver in the song. His character drives us along this perilous journey sticking to the road as best he can. The song has an amazing riff, guitar solo and amusing ending.
“Naturally I like all the tracks, but the song ‘All for One’ is a cracking tune as I particularly like the harmonies in the chorus. I also think the self-titled ‘Hot Laser’ song is great and brings special memories to me as that was the first song I ever wrote for the band. And, I must not forget the legendary guitar solo ending in the song ‘One Chance’.
USA-based Scott Jackson, a specialist in rock and horror artwork, was commissioned to create the album cover which took three months to complete.
The main recording musicians on the album alongside Rob, a medical student at RCSI Bahrain, were Hani Taqi on bass, Ehab Faraj on lead/rhythm guitars and Prasad Jayaruwan on drums.
Hot Laser split after the project was completed. “Regrettably yes,” said Rob. “The rumours are true. Under the artistic strain of recording and producing the ‘Crazy Angel’ video, the main live original band consisting of Rob Jungle, Joe Dalton, Daryl Bustos and Ash Syed has parted ways.”
But in the crazy world of rock ’n’ roll ‘never say never’. “If the album sells well, and if there is a strong demand, I am open for a possibility of a reunion, but I feel we would definitely require a band manager to oversee the process,” he added.
“I would like to thank everybody who contributed to the album – they are all mentioned in the credits. It has been wonderful to cross this task off my bucket list and I look forward to the future with my new band Rule 11.”
Rule 11 will be performing in Polo Lounge and Sherlock Holmes in October –check out the band’s social media pages for more details.
Meanwhile, Hot Laser’s ‘Narcissism’ CDs will be available shortly from The Bookcase and Room 2 Rock music store, priced BD5, including VAT. The album is also available to download on iTunes and Spotify.
· As reported in GDN, Rusty Golden, who was recently involved in an airport visa mix up and sent back to Nashville, is currently looking after his mother who has been diagnosed with cancer. A regular visitor and performer on the island, he hopes to return to Bahrain in the near future.
· Win a signed copy of ‘Narcissism’ by simply answering the question: Why did the band split? Send your answer to editor@gdnonline.com – the first correct entry drawn on October 1 will win the prize.
· Check out the ‘Crazy Angel’ video by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oD9p8B1MNk
