Vince Leigh’s Single Review: Mary Jane by Shotgun Mistress
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
Alright, strap in and crank it up—Shotgun Mistress is back with Mary Jane, and they’re here to mainline some fresh vigour right into the veins of Australia’s rock legacy. This isn’t your daddy’s blues-infused rock; it’s infused with a bolt of contemporary flair that could light up a small town. The track marks a seismic shift in the band’s evolutionary saga, marrying the sacred traditions of Oz rock with a brazen, sky’s-the-limit ambition that dares to dream big and bash hard. From the get-go, Mary Jane doesn’t just walk into the room; it kicks down the door with a guitar riff so slick it could sell water to a well.
Glenn Patrick’s vocals aren’t just heard; they’re an earthquake of emotion that could make the stoic statues weep. This ain’t some nostalgic trip down memory lane with sepia tones and softer edges; this is a full-throttle blitzkrieg bop into what rock can and should be today. Adding Rusty Brown’s vocals into this mix isn’t just icing on the cake—it’s throwing the whole bakery in. The Melbourne rock legend brings a chunk of the city’s storied rock rep into the fray, serving as a bridge from the hallowed halls of the past right into the chrome-plated future. Matt Wilcock’s guitar isn’t just an instrument; it’s a damn force of nature, weaving through the track with the kind of passion that would make old heroes nod in approval while keeping the TikTok legions hitting repeat.
But let’s cut to the chase: Mary Jane is more than a mere single; it’s a manifesto, a howl in the dark from Shotgun Mistress claiming their spot not just in the Aussie rock pantheon but as globe-trotting rock n’ roll deities. This track pulses with a blend of old-school cool and the brash boldness of the new school, showing off the band’s knack for not just riding the wave but making the damn ocean. With Kings Of The Revolution poised for release and a tour of Japan on the horizon, Mary Jane is laying the groundwork for Shotgun Mistress to make significant strides on the international stage. Shotgun Mistress isn’t just playing rock music—they’re grabbing it by the collar and demanding it pay attention. As they prep to take their act on the road across international borders this June, Mary Jane isn’t just a track to listen to; it’s a battle cry, signalling that these rockers are ready to roll, and the world better be ready to rock.Top of Form