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ALL SINNERS
We Are The...Unplugged
Purchase Street Records
https://www.allsinnerscult.com

Massachusetts-based hard rockers ALL SINNERS self-released their debut 4-track EP in 2022. Since then they have gone on to share stages across New England with ACE FREHLEY, DANGEROUS TOYS, WARRIOR SOUL and SLAUGHTER. They even made a trek out to Los Angeles in 2023 to open for QUIET RIOT, FASTER PUSSYCAT, and L.A. GUNS at the infamous Whisky A Go-Go.

Those performances spawned a 2024 limited edition release Live At The Whisky. When L.A. GUNS vocalist Phil Lewis and guitarist Ace Von Johnson came to the East Coast in late 2024 for a run of acoustic performances, they invited ALL SINNERS along for the ride. One particular performance in Salem, Massachusetts was recorded, and is now set for release on April 19, 2025.

If you are here in Massachusetts, ALL SINNERS is planning a record release party on release day at Purchase Street Records in New Bedford. Drummer Roger Chouinard promises a few surprises in addition to the listening party.

A little bit of stage banter kicks off the album, foreshadowing that this is a lighter affair. I should say a somewhat lighter affair, because once Bruce Morrison's bass and Roger Chouinard's drums kick in on "Buried Alive", you feel it in your chest. Mike Golarz's vocals are smooth and soulful. Nick Testone's acoustic strums are clean and clear, and will have you wondering how he got such tones out of the strings so high up the neck during his solo.

Chouinard sets the pace with a lofty, but not in-your-face- drum beat on "Dead To Rights". Morrison is hanging in there on the low end, while Testone strums are bright and melodic. ALL SINNERS have only ever performed this track live and it gets better and better each time I've heard it. The acoustic version has a bit more thump than the electric, if you can believe that.

ALL SINNERS takes on a BILLY SQUIER classic with "In The Dark", which makes sense when you consider drummer Roger Chouinard is the nephew of Squier drummer Bobby Chouinard. Mike Golarz is really impressive here vocally, besting Squier in some aspects. Testone keeps it simple with his acoustic licks on this one.

The anthemic "Rise Up" translates well acoustically, but I think the electric version conveys that extra dynamic you expect from an anthem. Golarz tests his vocal register several times throughout, and passes with flying colors. His wails rival Michael Sweet (STRYPER) and Don Dokken (DOKKEN).

If it isn't already, the acoustic version of "Believer" should be the focus track of this album. It should be a radio/streaming single, it should have a live or lyric video on YouTube, it should be a song ALL SINNERS are selling to the labels.

I never really paid much attention to this song on their 2022 EP ("The Hunted" was my favorite), but this live acoustic version breathes new life and emotion into the track. Golarz delivers with plenty of passion, as if he really believes in his words. The chorus is catchy as hell.

ALL SINNERS close the show with "The Hunted". The song has a memorable chorus and an unforgettable hook. While the audience sing-along portion falls a little flat, it doesn't take away the energy from the track.

I am not going to lie, my expectations were not super high for ALL SINNERS We Are The...Acoustic. A local band, at a small club, in the middle of 'witch country' does not scream high production values to me. ALL SINNERS certainly put my anticipated opinion to shame.

The production on this release is phenomenal. From the instruments to the vocals, everything is clear, clean, and crisp. The songs take on new life in acoustic form, and in some instances, improve upon the original electric studio versions.

My only nit-pick as a fan is, I've heard the same four songs since 2022. "Dead to Rights" is newer, but I've heard it in their live set a couple of times in the past. The Squier cover was impressive and a nice addition that I hope the band keeps in their repertoire. On the flip side, if you're just discovering ALL SINNERS, they have certainly shown their versatility in presenting their music in studio form, live, and acoustic.

I've followed ALL SINNERS since their inception and have seen them live many times. They just keep getting better and better. We Are The... Acoustic is the sound of a local band on the verge of something big.

4.8 Out Of 5.0

Related content:

2023 - Roger Chouinard interview HERE
2023 - ALL SINNERS (w/DANGEROUS TOYS) live in New Bedford, MA HERE
2023 - ALL SINNERS (w/METAL CHURCH) live in New Bedford, MA HERE
2023 - ALL SINNERS - All Sinners EP HERE