Collateral - 'Should’ve Known Better'

It’s been said that good things come to those who wait. Fans of Kent-based rockers Collateral will be relieved to know that’s very much the case with anticipated second album ‘Should’ve Known Better’. Unfortunate timing saw their debut released just weeks before the country was plunged into lockdown, a blow that could have proved fatal or at the very least, stalled any momentum. But since normality resumed, these lads have made their presence felt with memorable festival appearances, a well received headline tour and successful support slots with the likes of Skid Row, H.E.A.T and Reckless Love. The combination of their incredible live presence and unshakeably catchy songs has led to a fan base very much in the ascent. 

A wonderfully nostalgic throwback to a time when melodies really mattered, Collateral have always had the songs, but by enlisting respected producer Dan Weller this time around (known for his work with Kris Barras, Those Damn Crows and Monster Truck), they’ve certainly kicked things up a notch in terms of their sound. It’s evident from the start, opener ‘Glass Sky’ a natural successor to ‘Mr. Big Shot’ but with even greater punch. The rhythm section sounds absolutely formidable, but it’s the vocal hook that you’ll remember, guaranteed to adhere itself to the walls of your brain from the first listen. An anthem in waiting, ‘Glass Sky’ has it all, from the shout-along refrain to the addictive chorus and electrifying guitar solo, it’s certain to be a set-list staple from now on. 

Swaggering in like Ratt at their sleazy best, ‘Original Criminal’ boasts a filthy bass groove and a riff dripping with attitude. Maybe it’s the influence of guitarist Louis Malagodi (the only personnel change following the departure of Rockfiend’s own Todd Winger) but Collateral sound a little heavier here than you might remember. Perhaps best described as ‘badass’, there’s a pervading atmosphere of danger conjured by this story of a man who’s clearly been up to no good. There are further echoes of Ratt in the riff that dominates ‘No Place for Love’, which is reminiscent of ‘Round and Round’, though arguably a better track! If it had been released in the 80s, it would surely have been a huge hit destined to grace hair metal compilations for years to come.  

‘One of Those Days’ is refreshingly upbeat, the kind of ear-worm that Collateral make seem effortless. Yes, it’s pretty cheesy, but in the best possible way. The opportunity for audience participation has been factored in, with finger clicks presenting space for a crowd to clap along. It’s a feel-good track that concludes with a flourish of drums and the sound of applause, presented as throwaway but actually very clever. ‘Elysium’ is just as uplifting but more of a party-starter, and showcases Jack Bentley-Smith’s impressive bass playing prowess. Apparently, the word Elysium refers to a state of ideal happiness, which is almost certainly a state you’ll recognise after listening to the track. 

There’s a seductive sense of mystery in the verses of ‘Teenage Dreams’, and almost a country twang in the jangling guitar reminiscent of Bon Jovi at their outlaw best. And yet, it’s a song that goes to unexpected places; the big, in your face chorus a pleasant surprise bettered by the dramatic breakdown in the second half. The aptly named ‘Game Changer’ is fast-paced and frantic, dropping the tempo briefly only to amp up the drama again after. Collateral sound self-assured, confident and ready to take on even the biggest stages. 

At the album’s heart is unashamed power ballad ‘On the Long Road’. Gloriously unfashionable, it’s a heartfelt reflection on grief sung with real emotional by Angelo Tristan. The lyrics are utterly relatable and incredibly moving. Given that the video on YouTube is currently sitting at over 108k views, there is clearly still very much an appetite for this kind of thing. If you think they don’t make them like this any more, prepare for a pleasant surprise, but be prepared to shed a tear as you lose yourself in the beautiful harmonies and orchestration.

The album concludes with ‘Final Stand’, a metal-tinged stormer quite different to anything the band have released previously. It's pleasingly modern, a bit of a departure with a bludgeoning guitar sound punctuated by pinch harmonics. It's a powerful end to a diverse collection of songs that pass so quickly, you'll be ready to listen all over again. As frontman Angelo foretells in ‘Glass Sky’, there’s “a hurricane coming your way”. Get ready, because ‘Should’ve Known Better’ might just be the storm Collateral need to take them to the next level. The album is released on May 24th. 

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