Raider: Tokyo (Swords And Chains, 2020)

Oh man, look at that logo. Is there any doubt this one is gonna rock? If there was one, Raider erases it as soon as you press play. The UK-based rockers, who feature Voice UK contestant Mike Platt, serve up some high-energy, old school, ’80s-inspired hard rock on their debut EP Tokyo.

Modern bands trying their hands at the classic ’80s style hard rock sound isn’t new, but it’s always welcome. That era’s rock n’ roll was fun for a reason, and Raider clearly gets that. Tokyo is all about the hooks, the melodies, the good time vibe and the electricity. The band effectively channels the likes of Danger Danger, Poison and Ratt on party rockers like “Boys Will Be Boys” and “Tokyo,” while “Going Down” and “Begging For More” have a great Steelheart/Firehouse vibe.

Raider gives us just a taste of what they’re capable of on this brief EP, but it’s enough to make you want to hear a full-length album. Whether you’re all about the classic bands like Danger Danger and Firehouse or the newer bands like Outloud and Station, you’re going to want to check out Raider.

Edition Notes: The CD version of Tokyo includes a pair of exclusive bonus tracks that are just as much fun as the rest of the EP.