Review
Swami John Reis
Ride The Wild Night

Swami (2022) Loren

Swami John Reis – Ride The Wild Night cover artwork
Swami John Reis – Ride The Wild Night — Swami, 2022

Rock ‘n’ roll is full of clichés. It pretty much has been one about 50 years now.

And the many projects of Swami John Reis revel in these roots. Whether we’re talking about Rocket From The Crypt or Hot Snakes or Night Marchers, Reis has an ear for the concepts that are core to the style. But he has a way of making it feel fresh. Reis’ work oozes with attitude that comes across as truth rather than trite. His debut solo record is called Ride The Wild Night and there are song titles like “I Ain’t Your Pawn” and “Rip From The Bone.” On paper this sounds like a “heard that before” scenario, but his compositions and style supersede the clichés; his style makes the familiarity inviting rather than played out.

Some artists use a solo record to change directions and go all introspective. This album starts with the titular “Ride The Wild Night,” a guitar rock ripper like his entire catalog, with added rock piano for a bit more boogie alongside his trademark surf-style strumming. More song titles, like “When I Kicked Him In the Face” and “Do You Still Wanna Make Out?” should give the gist here. It’s black motorcycle jacket rock ‘n’ roll but with an authentic, everyman delivery that gives it more of a layperson vibe than a fist fighting greaser angle. Every now and then we get some nice dad jokes in there too, like “I Hate My Neighbors In The Yellow House.” It’s ass kickin’ rock that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It even gets marginally political on “We Broke The News.”

8.5 / 10Loren • April 5, 2022

Swami John Reis – Ride The Wild Night cover artwork
Swami John Reis – Ride The Wild Night — Swami, 2022

Related news

Swami John Reis' California backing band

Posted in Tours on July 1, 2022

Swami John Reis & The Blind Shake now streaming

Posted in MP3s on January 21, 2015

Swami John Reis & The Blind Shake

Posted in Bands on November 21, 2014

Advertisement

DCxPC 2025

Recently-posted album reviews

Detention

Dead Rock ‘N’ Rollers
Left For Dead Records (2024)

Life ain’t so easy in the detention home- Dead Boys. Emerging from the underbelly of Jersey, made up primarily of three brethren. Raised on rock and roll and sipping from the chalice of early punk rock stalwarts like Da Bruddahs from Queens, Hey Ho! and the Pistoleros of Sexual Nature screaming banshees from across from the large pond. Thus forging … Read more

Nightfreak

Nightfreak
Big Neck Records (2024)

Semi-feral punk outfit NightFreak are back with a self-titled LP filled with breakneck riffs and 70s metal bombast. The Chicago group haven’t slowed down since 2022’s Speed Trials but they have filled out. NightFreak the album is lousy with warm back beats and melodic guitars; although, hardcore vocals and tight drums still reign supreme. Album opener “Blackout” is dead serious … Read more

Death By Unga Bunga

Raw Muscle Power
Jansen Records (2025)

I’m pretty sure I became aware of Mike Krol when The Whiffs posted about playing some shows with him. Krol is a bit of an anomaly. Not only is he on Merge and collaborates with Mac Superchunk- a dream scenario imo- but he’s also been elusive of my fan boy attempts at cold dm’ing him about stuff even tho we … Read more