Every now and then, there comes an album that’s simply fun.
The Rockit King’s Fourth Turning is one of those albums.
Based out of Grand Rapids, Michigan, The Rockit King plays Hard Rock that is equal parts Thin Lizzy, Cheap Trick, and the faintest hint of The Cars.
So, sure, it falls a little outside of the typical Monster Riff fare, but there’s plenty to love here from a musical perspective.
Jessie Beveridge’s voice is immediately stunning and unique (think of a deeper version of Steve Hennessey from Sheavy). Guitarist Anthony Mannino alternates between idolizing guitar heroes like Eddie Van Halen for his solos, then dragging the performance back to grooving riffs à la Tim Sult. Over in the rhythm section, bassist Dan Cox and drummer Kenny Roberts hold it down, complementing Beveridge and Mannino with tireless energy.
For Classic Hard Rock lovers, The Rockit King’s Fourth Turning is a blast.
About The Rockit King
The Rockit King is going on nearly 20 years at this point (Day Late & A Dollar Short dropped in 2003). For Fourth Turning, The Rockit King is:
- Jessie Beveridge – Vocals
- Anthony Mannino – Guitar
- Dan Cox – Bass
- Kenny Roberts – Drums
Fourth Turning also features guest appearances from:
- Mary Sumners – Backing Vocals
- Warren Beatty – Synthesizers
- Roy Wallace – Synthesizers
The album was recorded at River City Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and produced by Roy Wallace. Fourth Turning was released by Sum-Hi Records.
The Rockit King’s Fourth Turning Album Review
Tracks: 9
Length: 31:22
Track One: Whoa U Know
“Whoa U Know” is a powerful, high-energy track that makes for an excellent album opener. As great as Beveridge’s layered vocals are, Mannino consistently steals the show on guitar, alternating between glistening solos and blistering licks delivered at incredible speeds. This is a tough track to follow.
Track Two: U We Me
After the Hard Rock energy of “Whoa U Know,” “U We Me” is relatively simple and straightforward: a bright, upbeat love song with bubble gum guitar work and infectious riffing.
Track Three: Take My Hand
For a moment, “Take My Hand” opens on a riff reminiscent of the Pop Punk Rock that permeated the early 2000s. But that’s only for a moment. “Take My Hand” quickly settles into something much more familiar and expected. Listen closely—”Take My Hand” showcases some of the best layering of vocals and guitars on Fourth Turning.
Track Four: Before It’s Thru
“Before It’s Thru” starts with a dramatic opening—something that shimmers with a powerful pulse. Eventually, though, “Before It’s Thru” transforms into a stomp-worthy song with dreamy verses. For a moment in the bridge, “Before It’s Thru” even sounds a bit like Kings of Leon.
Track Five: Lie Becomes
“Lie Becomes” may be the fastest song on the album (think Megadeth without the Metal edge). To that end, Beveridge belts it like a classic Metal vocalist. As the midpoint of the album, “Lie Becomes” is perfectly placed.
Track Six: No Matter What
After the motorcycle fury of “Lie Becomes,” “No Matter What” is a soft, emotional song that turns out to be a powerful Rock ballad. Again, Beveridge and Mannino carry the band forward with impressive performances.
Track Seven: Between the Lines
By this point in Fourth Turning, we’ve seen plenty of The Rockit King’s capabilities, but “Between the Lines” pushes the envelope a little further. This track relies more on vocal harmonies and a persistent percussion section than it does blistering guitar work (though it does have one of the best guitar solos on the album).
Track Eight: West Side Blues
“West Side Blues” isn’t the catchiest song on the album with the first listen, but it is the most distinguishable. Featuring Mary Sumner’s background vocals, “West Side Blues” moves at a separate pace and delivery than the rest of the album. The “Do what you want!” refrain just might be enough to get you singing the line to yourself later in the day.
Track Nine: Been Around
The Rockit King definitely knows how to start and end an album. Like “Whoa U Know,” “Been Around” is powerful. This is by far the heaviest song on the album, and it should please fans of classic Metal and Rock alike.
Final Thoughts
Score: 9/10
Standout Tracks: “Whoa U Know” and “Been Around”
Pros: Fourth Turning is fun from start to finish. Anthony Mannino is the standout musician here, and his outstanding guitar work is impeccable. As the frontman, Jessie Beveridge consistently belts it, delivering memorable performance after memorable performance.
Cons: Although Jes Beveridge is a phenomenal singer (and his layered vocals are used perfectly throughout the album), his vocal approach is unique enough that he’ll inevitably draw detractors—and alienate The Rockit King in the process.