Perfect Beasts are a kind of suburban supergroup I suppose. Based in Surrey, they comprise Steve Hales, the powerhouse drummer from Kepler Ten, Planet Rock DJ and bassist Darren Redick, guitar supremo Nick Andrew, and guitarist and vocalist John Mitchell. Yes, that John Mitchell, Mr Lonely Robot himself. The guy who brings credibility and class to pretty much any project, and Perfect Beasts is no exception. They are a modern classic rock band with a prog twist, and their debut album packs a real punch, but is accessible and radio friendly.
Three’s A Crowd sets out their stall from the word go, with a ding of a bell and a thunderous drum roll, we are launched into a kick ass tune, and the unmistakable voice of John Mitchell leading the charge. It’s catchy, dynamic, and breathless. Nick Andrew immediately proves his guitar prowess with an intense inventive solo, whilst Hales and Redick don’t let up for a moment. It’s a blistering start.
Bad Things Happen follows at a slightly slower pace, but is no less dynamic. Lyrically it nods towards Rush’s Roll The Bones.
Things we can’t prevent”
It’s powerful and melodic and will have you singing along before long.
Heavy Is The Head is another wonderfully melodic rocker, with the talents of Leoni Jane Kennedy on vocals on the choruses. It has an air of optimism about it, and features Nick Andrew’s midi guitar effects, but at its core, it’s just a super piece of songwriting and production. The whole album is consistent in that respect, and you can pick almost any track and find it to be killer. Non Stop To The Moon suggests that we should seek our long lost sense of adventure by returning to the moon, a topical song and possibly the most commercial selection, with a ridiculously catchy chorus which Mitchell of course nails with ease. The lyrics reference John Gillespie Magee’s sonnet ‘High Flight’ in a nice touch which indicates the attention to detail in the writing of these infectious songs.
Undertow again seems to have a Rush in the Eighties feel, and again Andrew turns in some excellent guitar work, both in the tricky riff department, and the spaced out solo section. On A Curve is a driving funk workout. The bass runs on this track are a delight, a fun frolic with a funk edge, and no doubt another killer live tune. Every Saturday is a homage to Redick’s local live music pub, Mr Bumble’s in Blackwater. Visiting encouraged him to pick up his bass again after years of neglect, and now he is channeling his inner Chris Squire with aplomb.
The album closes with the dramatic epic title track, Perfect Beasts. It’s a slow burning tune, heavy and moody, which erupts into a thunderous closing section. Lyrically, who knows what it’s about? The video doesn’t help either, but it’s a brooding stalking beast of a song, and a suitable conclusion to a highly entertaining album.
The players are top notch, the production is awesome, and writing of a high standard, occasionally inspired. And of course, the voice! Can’t go wrong when John sings. Recommended.
TRACK LISTING
01. Three’s A Crowd (3:55)
02. Bad Things Happen (3:55)
03. Heavy Is The Head (3:58)
04. Genie’s Out The Bottle (5:26)
05. Non-Stop To The Moon (4:30)
06. Undertow (4:30)
07. Chasing Daylight (4:35)
08. On A Curve (4:44)
09. Every Saturday (One Night Only) (5:08)
10. Perfect Beasts (7:35)
Total Time – 48:12
MUSICIANS
Nick Andrew – Guitar, Midi-Guitar
John Mitchell – Vocals, Guitar
Darren Redick – Bass, Bass Pedals
Steve Hales – Drums
~ With:
Leoni Jane Kennedy – Backing Vocals (3)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: UK
Date of Release: 27th January 2026
LINKS
Perfect Beasts – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
