DERAPS – Deraps

Smile Rock Returns With a Bang!

For those of us old enough to remember, the term smile rock was used in the 80s, and it was a term attached to one band in particular for their constant happy energy, and huge smiles when performing. That was of course the original Van Halen, and todays music has a new band that has devoted themselves to plucking a page from history, and bringing back a bit of that sound and energy. Deraps is a young, up-and-coming Rock ‘n’ Roll band consisting of Canadian guitarist and lead singer Jacob Deraps (winner of the 2016 Dweezil & Frank Zappa Fellowship Award), Canadian bassist William Lachance, and Australian drummer Josh Gallagher.

Inspiration, Not Imitation!

Deraps sound takes you right back to California’s Sunset Strip of the late ’70s, when a new generation of bands rocked the global scene. They’ve captured that enthusiasm and a bit of that sound that catapulted Van Halen to the top of the heap, without being an imitation, but by being inspired to bring back that kind of love of music and hard rocking sound. Their debut self-titled album shows exactly how far Jacob Deraps has come since his discovery by Dweezil Zappa those 6 years ago when he was just 19 years old kid with a love for Hard Rock that pre-dates the 1990s. The album has 11 tracks that cover the gambit from fast-paced rockers, to acoustic instrumentals, to even a cover of “Ballroom Blitz” (legendary hit by The Sweet) which they put their own spin on.

Final Notes

From the first track “Sex, Drugs & Rock and Roll” right through to the last, this album has excellent production values, superb performances, and really catchy tunes that will keep any Hard Rock fan smiling and stomping their feet. The guitar playing is great on every track, the vocals have lots of character and great harmonies to be the perfect frosting on the pound cake of a solid rhythm section. With such a strong debut album. it gives Hard Rock fans a lot to look forward to from these fantastic young musicians. Fans of guitar, Hard Rock and everything Rock 1970s-1990s, Deraps has it all! Be sure to check them out, and add this gem to your album collection.

Lineup

Jacob Deraps – lead vocals / guitars
William Lachance – Bass
Josh Gallagher – Drums

Deraps – Tracklist

1. Invasion
2. Sex, Drugs & Rock N’ Roll
3. My Side of Town
4. Live Fast Die Slow
5. Veins of My Heart
6. Élizabeth
7. Make Ya Groove
8. Wild to the Woman
9. On My Mind
10. Fuck Off
11. Ballroom Blitz