Kira Mac - Chaos Is Calling (2022)

This British Blues Rock band take their name from their statuesque and beautiful frontwoman and lead singer, Kira Mac (a.k.a. Rhiannon Hill) who not only dominates with her husky, soulful voice but also demands attention on stage as possibly one of the tallest women in rock! Their ten track debut album is already receiving a lot of airplay and attention ahead of its release.

The first track, and also first single from the album is `One Way Ticket’. Here, hard hitting crunchy guitars courtesy of Alex Novakovic, groove along with Mac’s smouldering vocal.

Hit Me Again’ with its distorted vocal tone and gloriously heavy, grungy melodic riffs make this track a sure-fire winner that gets under your skin and makes you want to bang your head.

The title track `Chaos Is Calling’, which kicks off with a phone sound clip, has a modern metal edge and takes no prisoners as Mac delivers the song hook and forces the listener into aural submission with a smile on their face.

Back For More’ slows the pace slightly as this Blues rocker snakes along with Mac’s powerhouse voice reigning supreme over the sweet backing vocals and singing guitar parts, briefly breaking down from some handclapping before launching back into the stratosphere.

`Imagine What We Could’ve Been’ has a great fuzzy, deep bass backbone that keeps things locked in tight as the now characteristic drawl of Mac’s voice raps out the lyrics.

Mississippi Swinging’ bares all the hallmarks of a song of a title like that, lyrics about Whiskey, the devil, and freeway driving to New Orleans punctuate an intense southern rock rhythm filled with screaming guitars and a memorable lick that is sure to become an earworm.

`Hell Fire Holy Water’ pounds another infectious riff as more melodies and catchy chorus lines guarantees the success of this track. Heavy power chords ring out as the start of `Downfall’ is announced.

This is a monster of a song that sees the whole band running at full tilt as Mac digs deep to add passion, intensity and attitude her vocal.

`Never Going To Stay’ brings in a lighter, country rock/pop edge as the guitars are smoothed down and harmonies abound. Mac’s vocal here is truly stunning on a track that is perhaps one of the most commercial sounding on the album.

Dead Man Walking’ sees Max Rhead’s drums leading the way as this lead booted, opus smashes its way along. Novakovic’s guitar licks are iron filled demons coming the depths of hell here and underpin Mac’s massive vocal delivery.

Having seen and met Kira Mac at Steelhouse before reviewing this album, I knew what affect the band had on the crowd live. I also know just how tall she is as at 6ft3 myself, I felt small for once! What I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer amount of talent and musicianship found on every track here.

Rhiannon Hill’s voice has elements of Elles Bailey, Samantha Fish and even a little Cher in there. Quite frankly that is one hell of an amazing voice! Surrounded by a set of musicians that clearly are comfortable with each other, I’m hearing flavours of Kris Barras and Jon Bonamassa throughout but with added grit. The product that they have collectively created is sublime.

This is on of my highlights of 2022. Roll on Cornwall Rocks! ~Paul Sabin