Richard Davies & The Dissidents – Human Traffic (3 out of 5)
There is no rocket science being studied here with Richard Davies and his band of dissidents on this his debut solo record, but none the less, there are plenty of sweet sounds to sink your ears into. The template that is thrown down here on Human Traffic is no-nonsense, straight forward, Brinsley Schwartz Pub Rock and Roll. Cutting his guitar teeth as a guitar slinger sideman for the likes of Peter Perrett and Glen Matlock as well as with his own band The Snakes, Davies more than holds his own with a solid set of self-penned tunes and to add to the coolness factor “Heartbeat Smile,” an Alejandro Escovedo cover song is thrown in for good measure admirably performed with a Post-Punk flair.
With “21st Century Man” sounding like a new wave Tom Petty, and (“Long Road) To Your Heart” carrying a Billy Idol meets Greg Kihn mojo-sound, there is enough sonic diversity to keep things interesting and to warrant several more trips to the musical well.
Rock Is The New Roll 