I am sure that many of you have at the very least, a passing acquaintance with Franck Carducci and the Fantastic Squad. But for those of you who aren’t I can sum them up as quintet of amazingly talented individuals who could all have solo careers doing what they in the collective collective.
Foremost, and forefront, of these band members is lead guitarist, Barth Sky. The image and charisma is a full blown rock guitarist of the old school where image is important to get someone noticed but being a leather clad rock god, who some fans I know lust after, is one thing, but the people will only keep listening if there is something worth hearing and, with his solo album he has that in spades.
Whenever I saw him perform as part of the Fantastic Squad, he always gave it his all and usually left the stage drenched in sweat, but I also got the feeling that, despite all the energy and power, he was holding back. He was going in one direction but, with some classic guitar riffs thrown into his performance, there were hints that, if he had his chance he’d be giving far more. The audience would be getting a full on guitar solo that would be long enough to allow the rest of the band to go off, have a round of sandwiches and drinks, freshen up, do the next costume change and still be left at the side of the stage waiting for him to get the hard rock out of his system.
Now, with Rockstars, Barth has finally been able to release the pent up heavier guitarist that we all knew was trapped and wanting to escape. It took a while but was well worth the wait.
Enough of my hyperbole, what about the album?
From the very start he hits the ground running with Showtime, a full-on instrumental that left me in no doubt that he means business and will be taking no prisoners. Next up was Shake Your Bones. A song that posted his principles onto the door of orthodox modern formulaic noise that the masses fawn over. The fun is listening to it and trying to identify his musical influences. Slash is the first to spring to mind but Allen Collins, of Lynyrd Skynyrd, is not too far away either.
Naked Like an Animal might be a title that made me think of Spinal Tap, but the song keeps up the pace and made me wish that I was listening to it in the mosh pit of a concert. Although I know that, with my back, I’d not last in there for long and I’d have to retreat to a safer distance after a few minutes. As if Barth’s foot is stuck on the musical accelerator, while wearing lead boots, Let Me Out carries on with the R‘n’R swagger. Attitude without arrogance, there is a hint of humour as if he is trying to prove that it is possible to sing while the tongue is firmly in the cheek.
(Don’t) Do It started slower, as if to say “It is okay, you can catch your breath now” but if it was a respite, it wasn’t a long one and the rock was soon rolling again. It was hard to define but there was an Alice Cooper feel to the anguished lyrics which made me think that, perhaps, they were a veiled but personal confession about a chapter in his life that I’d be afraid to seek elaboration. Dog’s Life is a snarling animal with teeth that dig deep and doesn’t want to let go. Rock anger and frustration epitomised in one song. At times the vocals got dangerously close to the guttural throat growling that makes me want to turn down the volume to 1.1, from its normal setting of 11, but thankfully, despite being close he got the cigar for not going all the way with that singing style.
I could say a lot about the Purple Love’s title, but what would rock be without a double entendre and, Barth gives you one here. I listened to the lyrics and felt sure that Poison or W.A.S.P. couldn’t have come up with finer smut. I, of course, loved it. Monster’s Walk is another great song that I feel would surely be an even greater listen live. I no longer have the hair, or any hair for that matter, that could make headbanging look cool, but thankfully I have never been that so I would gladly destroy a few of my remaining brain cells for this one. Finally, the rock journey came to its end with Natural Selection but just because the finish line was in sight there was no slowing down.
Look out Metallica, you have someone ready to steal your crown.
If your predilection is just for subtle and clever prog rock then Rockstars is not for you, but if you like the slightly raunchier output of AC/DC, .38 Special, Guns ‘n’ Roses, et al, then this is a magnificent romp into loud but fun territory. The lyrics might not be as cerebral as some of the early Yes or Genesis songs, but Barth is not going for that. He is enjoying himself, with a sly wink to the fans, and wants the listener to have forty minutes of pure musical indulgence. And, personally, I think he succeeds.
TRACK LISTING
01. Showtime (1:51)
02. Shake Your Bones (4:46)
03. Naked Like an Animal (3:19)
04. Let Me Out (5:26)
05. (Don’t) Do It (4:10)
06. Dog’s Life (6:12)
07. Purple Love (3:58)
08. Monster’s Walk (5:25)
09. Natural Selection (5:10)
Total Time – 40:17
MUSICIANS
Barth Sky – Guitar, Vocals
Julien Blake Mailland – Bass, Backing Vocals
Nicolas Ammollo – Drums, Backing Vocals
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Independent
Country of Origin: France
Date of Release: 12th June 2026
