Dr2 View "Humanity" by Jeff Gutt-BWNN

on 25 June 2008.

CD TITLE:	Humanity
ARTIST:	Band With No Name
RELEASE DATE:	November 27th, 2009
MEMBERS:	Jeff Gutt ~ vocals
	Garry Pittel ~guitars
PRODUCED BY:	Jeff Gutt
	Garry Pittel
TRACK LISTINGS:	1) Not Alone
	2) You
	3) Burn
	4) The Criminal
	5) I'm Your Enemy
	6) Letter
	7) Before Long
	8) Rain
	9) Empty
	10) It's Alright, It's Over
	11) Loser
	12 Animal Like

Dr2 View:

Many groups toil over a name for their band with great urgency, others, well they just leave well enough alone and go at it without a name. Take Detroit's own alternative rockers, Band With No Name. Obviously they do have a name, it's just that they go without a name, and believe it or not, it's taken on an identity all its own, even without a name. Sound confusing, sure does, but mention Band With No Name, or BWNN as the FWNNs (fans with no name) chant during their shows, and you'll get the reply, "yeah we know'em". If you haven't heard of them yet, you soon will, as they get set to drop their debut full-length disc, "Humanity".

The nucleus of BWNN is Jeff Gutt & Gary Pittel, who together have created a distinct sound that not only features incredible hooks and melodic riffs, but offers up some of the most structured songwriting we've ever seen. These two have made the decision to keep the entire production and recording process completely under their control. Having appeared on a Gold Record while fronting the band Dry Cell, which appeared on the Warner Brothers label a few years back, Gutt certainly has the experience to take BWNN to the top of the charts as they surround themselves with the best talent this city has to offer.

Possessing one of the purest rock voices in the city, Gutt instantly grabs your attention from the start with the lead track, Not Alone, showcasing his spectacular ability to deliver an unequivocal lyric, wrenching every bit of emotion from each word. Gary Pittel brings, what just may be, the epitome of what a rock guitar should sound like, instilling the wail, hum & thrash of the ultimate electric guitar into each track. He may be the best rock guitarist in the city. Nowhere on the album is this more evident than the GnR-esque sounding, I'm Your Enemy, which just beckons for radio play, drawing you in with its infectious hook, while Letter,(the title track incognito), samples the live broadcast of the Hindenburg catastrophe where Herbert Morrison cries out "Oh The Humanity!", painting the perfect picture for the lyrics.....everythings on fire, this is a letter, to humanity.....

Finishing the disc is Dr2's favorite, Animal Like, which can only be described as a mayhem- inducing, mosh-pit-inciting, monster of a jam, again featuring Pittel's screaming guitar, making it the definitive BWNN anthem. Staying true to their name, BWNN has inserted a "Song With No Name" as Animal Like winds down, time continues to tick on the player, and a unique, slower, extended version of, Not Alone begins closing out, what just may be, one of the best rock & roll albums out of Detroit in 2009, hopefully the DMA's will take notice, as this disc should be a shoe in for a nomination.

Be sure to catch the band this Saturday night December 12^th at The Hayloft where they'll celebrate their debut release, and while you're there, be sure to pick up your copy of "Humanity", or head on over to iTunes or even the BWNN e-store where you can snag a copy from the internet! For a closer look at the Band With No Name, hit up the Dr2 Links or head on over to the Dr2 MySpace Page where you'll find them listed in our "Top Friends". DetroitRockReview.com - The Only Place For Local Music News & Reviews!