Interview by Kris Peters
Melbourne rock outfit Shotgun Mistress arrived on the scene with a bullet following the 2021 release of their self-titled debut album that reinforced all known conceptions about the band, based purely on the high-octane suggestiveness of the name alone.
Here was a band that bled rock and roll rather than one jumping on the back of an institution that oozes charm, strength and charisma. In the world of rock and hard rock such pretenders are generally found wanting before a round of shots can be fired in anger, but on the rare occasions that a band not only matches the sonic intensity of their album on the live arena but rather elevates the bar infinitely higher… well, you just know.
Not that there were many doubters out there, but with Shotgun Mistress facing the prospect of following up a banger of an album with an even bigger banger - not an easy thing to do on a sophomore release - the lads from South of the border just rolled their sleeves up and did what they do best.
Knock that shit right the fuck out of the park.
Released just last Friday, album number two, Kings Of The Revolution is not merely just more of the same from Shotgun Mistress. It is a statement of intent laced with an air of almost arrogance that pushes the doors open even wider for what can only be an even more exciting future for the band.
HEAVY sat down with frontman Glenn Patrick and drummer 'Diamond' Dave Lee direct from the freezing cold of Melbourne and on the night of release to gauge their enthusiasm.
"We're stoked," Glenn started to reply.
"We're fucken stoked," Dave corrected.
"It's been a long time coming," Glenn continued, "and we've had this album in our back pocket for a long time. Half the album was already written before the first one was even released. So it's definitely been a while, but it's good to finally…"
"Release it to the world," Dave finished.
We ask the boys if Kings Of The Revolution is what fans would expect musically from the band.
"I'd like to think so," Glenn measured. "I'd like to think it's something that's pretty similar to what people would relate to. It's definitely a step-up for us as far as the writing ability. The first album was a bit of a tester to see how we worked together, so this one is something that came a lot easier."
"A lot quicker," Dave added.
"The actual production of the tracks is good and there's definitely a lot of different… influences from this album compared to the first one," Glenn chimed in. "Things like early day Aerosmith and ZZ Top. There's a lot more variety in this one."
"It sort of suits everybody, instead of just writing to the one content," Dave concluded.
In the full interview the boys talk about the three singles released and how they represent the whole album, translating the live energy to recordings, the bold statement proclaimed by the album title, what songs to listen to by way as an introduction to Shotgun Mistress, their upcoming tour of Japan, hometown shows and more.