Echo Scale™: 4.2/5 ★★★★☆
There’s something about a band who launch straight into the fire that makes you want to crank the volume and see where the chaos leads. LA-85 Lincoln’s heavy rock hopefuls are the kind of act who don’t waste time with pleasantries. With a name that tips the hat to the infamous LA Strip where heavy metal’s heart beats loudest, you’d better believe they’re coming for your attention. Their latest single “Get Away” is a high-gain, riff-driven powerhouse with all the swagger, attitude, and hooks you’d expect from a band raised on a diet of 80s debauchery and modern hard rock ambition.
Band Lineup:
- Matt – Guitars
- Ben – Drums
- Jordan – Bass
- Pat – Vocals
Straight Into The Chaos: First Impressions
Right from the opening riff, “Get Away” makes its intentions clear. There’s no slow build or gentle introduction just Matt’s guitars lighting the fuse, all chunky distortion and the kind of lead work that sets the tone for a wild ride. If you love that LA Strip energy think early Motley Crue, Ratt, or Guns N’ Roses you’ll find yourself in familiar territory. The band’s chemistry comes across instantly: Jordan’s bass rumbling along, Ben keeping pace behind the kit, and Pat stepping up to deliver the first line with genuine conviction.
Let’s Talk Production: The Drum Elephant In The Room
It’s impossible to ignore the biggest issue on “Get Away” the drum sound. Here’s the raw truth: Ben can play, but the mix lets him down. The drums are upfront but weirdly flat and boxy, missing the explosive punch this style demands. It almost sounds like someone recorded the kit in a hallway and threw it on top of everything else in post. For a track that needs to slam and sizzle, it’s a misfire, and the only thing stopping this from being a top-tier heavy rock single. The potential is obvious, and with a better mix especially a beefier, more natural drum sound LA-85 would easily level up.
The Bass: Solid Foundation, Needs More in the Mix
Jordan’s bass is the glue that holds it all together. The lines are tight and well-written, providing a rumbling backbone that gives the riffs muscle and drive. Still, there’s room for improvement here just a bit more bass in the mix would push the track over the edge. In a live setting, you can imagine the floor shaking with every note, but in the recorded version, it sits a bit too far back for my taste. Give the bass its due, and LA-85’s sound would have even more depth and menace.
Vocals and Harmonies: The Real Star Power
Where “Get Away” truly shines is Pat’s vocal performance. This guy can sing. No question about it he’s got range, power, and a tone that’s both classic and modern. Pat doesn’t just deliver the lead lines with confidence; he also layers in some great vocal harmonies, especially on the choruses. These harmonies lift the song, adding colour and helping the hooks stand out. In a genre that sometimes forgets the value of real melody, LA-85 put the vocals front and centre and it works.
Songwriting: Hooks, Energy, and Movement
A good rock song moves forward with purpose, and LA-85 know how to keep things interesting. “Get Away” never drags or falls into repetition. The chorus is an absolute earworm—built for festival crowds and pub singalongs. There’s plenty of dynamic movement, thanks to solid transitions and an arrangement that knows when to hit hard and when to step back. Matt’s guitar solos are a highlight—tasteful, energetic, and always in service to the song.
Influences: Wearing Their Roots Proudly
Make no mistake, LA-85 wear their influences on their sleeve. You’ll hear echoes of all the classic LA Strip legends Crüe, Ratt, Guns, maybe even a hint of Priest but what saves them from being a mere tribute act is the raw energy and modern edge they bring. This isn’t cosplay; it’s a genuine love letter to heavy rock’s heyday, filtered through the hunger of a band eager to carve out their own identity.
The Band: Solid Players, Room for Growth
Let’s give credit where it’s due: LA-85 are clearly a band of solid players. The chemistry is there, the songwriting’s tight, and there’s a sense of fun and danger that’s impossible to fake. But for this style of music, polish is everything. Get the production dialed in especially the drums and you’ve got a band ready to step up to bigger stages and wider audiences.
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
“Get Away” is a high-energy, unapologetic slice of modern heavy rock. There’s tons of potential here, and you get the sense that LA-85 are only just getting started. Polish up the sound, give the drums and bass their due, and this band could turn a lot of heads fast. If you’re a fan of big hooks, great vocals, and music that remembers how to have fun, give “Get Away” a spin. Keep an eye on these lads; the best is yet to come.
Echo Scale™: 4.2/5 ★★★★☆
A good band with the chops and chemistry just waiting for that final bit of studio magic to really blow the doors off.
For fans of classic LA Strip rock, modern heavy riffs, and anthemic choruses that demand to be played loud. LA-85: Lincoln’s answer to Sunset Strip mayhem coming soon to a bigger stage near you.
