Time: 38:25
File: Flac
Released: 2025
Styles: Blues-rock
Art: Front
1. The Rocker (3:41)
2. I Won't Do This Anymore (3:02)
3. High Roller (3:20)
4. Betterland (3:57)
5. Running Dry (2:01)
6. Angeline (4:26)
7. Damaged Man (2:44)
8. Back Again (3:03)
9. Turning to Stone (3:06)
10. Keep It Up (3:14)
11. Things Change (5:47)
After an EP, a live album, and several singles, The Zac Schulze Gang will release their first studio album titled ‘Straight To It’ via Ruf Records on September 26, 2025. The power trio performs live regularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. At the time of writing, over fifteen performances are scheduled here for the rest of the year. (Check their site https://www.zacschulzegang.rocks/tour if you want to know where they can be seen.) Thanks to their highly energetic live shows, they have built up a considerable fan base.
And on this album, they fully live up to their reputation. The trio, consisting of singer/guitarist Zac Schulze, brother Ben Schulze on drums, and bassist Ant Greenwell, delivers eleven raw blues/rock songs. The only respite is the few seconds between each track; immediately, they go full throttle again. The Gang is a real band; it is not about the namesake, who is supported by bass and drums. The three of them complement and understand each other perfectly, and together they are responsible for their tight sound.
The first three songs from the album have since been released as a preview single. In ten seconds, you know what to expect when “The Rocker” blasts from the speakers – for a moment it seemed as if Joey Ramone was about to start counting down from Rock Heaven. At the same pace, Nigel Feist joins in on harmonica in ‘I Won’t Do This Anymore’ and the subsequent ‘High Roller’. To fully experience it all, it is recommended to turn the volume knob all the way up. Incidentally, it is great how Zac once again makes it clear in just a few seconds what ‘High Roller’ is all about.
The Zac Schulze Gang - The Rocker (Official Music Video)
‘Betterland’ is a slightly more sustained song; it remains rock, it has power, but now it shifts from fifth to third gear. In ‘Running Dry’, they shift up a few gears again. They are Brits, they know their classics; this was possible from Dr. Feel-good vibes are borrowed, pub rock in the best British traditions.
‘Angeline’ is atmospheric, a moment of calm, beautiful. Great screaming guitar work. Followed by pure rock-‘n’-roll in ‘Damaged Man’. That song is guaranteed to turn the place upside down live. ‘Back Again’ features a strong riff plus Ben Schulze practically abusing his drum kit. Lee Wilson joins the trio on Hammond and Ben S., handling the backing vocals in ‘Turning To Stone’, a beautifully swinging number. After which everything is pulled out of the hat again in ‘Keep It Up’. A song that has everything that is making this trio big: wailing guitars, solid bass and drums, infectious vocals. Boom, bang, silence, and the closing track ‘Things Change’ starts as an oasis of calm. Once again with Wilson on the Hammond, Ben on backing vocals, together with album producer Ian Sadler. And it remains subdued right up to the last note; so they can do that too.
The Zac Schulze Gang built their name partly by doing tributes inspired by Rory Gallagher to honor the Irishman. That led to their breakthrough when they played a set in Ballymore in 2022. This was followed by performances with Samantha Fish (most recently at Luxor Arnhem earlier this year), Eddy 9V, and others. With their stage experience and this album, they can easily continue independently and will keep growing in the blues and rock scene. Be sure to go see them if they are in the area. This record will come to life even more there. The passion and energy that clearly shines through on this album will be given an extra heavy layer live.
Straight to It Flac
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