Photo Credit: Press

Formed by the late Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Kav Sandhu (Happy Mondays), BLITZ VEGA have released their debut album ‘Northern Gentleman‘. Released as a promise via Sandhu’s own FutureSonic Records on 27th September 2024, the album is the last musical project from Rourke before his devastating passing back in May 2023; a true homage to his life, and an attestation to his talent and musical creativity.

Opting for three lead singles preceding the album’s release: ‘Disconnected‘, ‘Love City‘, and ‘Lost Myself‘, the duo’s undeniable talent and unique sound shines through like no other. Introductory track and single ‘Disconnected‘ explores the feelings of being swept away by technology yet feeling more separated from society than ever, with a deep lust to feel something ‘real’ again: “I wanna be feeling / I wanna be touching / I wanna be kissing /I wanna be loving / I wanna spend my time with you.” Demonstrating the varied capabilities of Sandhu’s vocals, paired with typical punchy ‘northern’ sounding guitar throughout, exhilarating subsequent single, ‘Love City‘, encapsulates the excitement and opportunities that come alongside being a musician in the heart of Los Angeles. Declared the favourite track of ‘Northern Gentleman‘ by both Andy Rourke and Kav Sandhu, the final single prior to the album’s release, ‘Lost Myself‘, is perhaps the most emotive and raw track of the bunch.

Originally written by the duo back in 2019, the track was “inspired our journeys of losing people and the moments of dealing with grief, trying to find the balance to be able to get on with life” says Kav, who felt the need to rewrite some of the lyrics back in early 2023 “whilst seeing Andy in hospital dealing with his illness.” Heartfelt and powerful choral lyrics, “I lost myself in a moment of sadness, I lost myself in a moment of madness, I couldn’t help you, I couldn’t save you, take a step back, I’ll never forget you” followed by the guitar solo perhaps represent the feeling of acceptance after receiving closure and peace from the loss of a loved one. With influence from Nirvana, The Versv, and even Linkin Park present throughout, these tracks are a perfect amalgamation of emotional lyrics, Sandhu’s unique vocals, and Rourke’s distinctive bass sounds, making them the most fitting singles to promote the album.

With three more of the ten tracks featured on ‘Northern Gentleman‘; ‘Lost & Found‘, ‘LA Vampire‘, and ‘Strong Forever‘ (feat. Rourke’s former bandmate, Johnny Marr), being released prior to the album between 2019 and 2022, there are only four songs new to our ears. However, these four tracks are not ones to brush over; from sounds akin to that of Richard Ashcroft oozing throughout ‘Hole in My Heart‘, a raw and emotional ballad reflecting on grief, through to the heavily hip-hop influenced ‘Pass The Gun‘ (featuring Z-Trip) boating elements of Primal Scream, there is something for everyone on this album. Radiating the vibes and sounds of the late 90s and early 00s soft rock, paired with the psychedelic intro and snarling guitars, Big Noise screams the likes of Oasis and Nirvana. The combination of the Leicester-born’s punk-style vocals and anthemic guitar riffs with the head-bobbing bass and anger fuelled lyrics have made for what could potentially be the most well-crafted track on the whole album.

Even with no backstory, ‘Northern Gentleman‘ from BLITZ VEGA is a monumental album; however, as soon as the context and backstory are brought into the picture, this is a remarkably special listen, and a perfect homage to both Andy Rourke and Kav Sandhu. With notes of both established artists’ signature sounds beaming throughout, there really are no skips on the anthemic, raw, and emotion-filled ‘Northern Gentleman‘.