San Diego, USA-based alternative rockers Bedlam Rebels release diverse second album.

By Graeme Smith

For a band from the other side of the world, Bedlam Rebels have a surprising British edge to their sound. They could easily hail from the North of England based on the evidence of their new album Losers, Beggars and Lovers. It’s their second release and is the follow-up to 2021’s Tasteless Minds.

Opening with the slow-burning intro of Born A Masochist, you can tell straight away that Losers, Beggars and Lovers is an album that likes to take its time. It builds nicely to some big riffs and passionate vocals that speak of desire to escape small town existence. A rousing chorus sets the bar high early on.

Through The Night brings with it a darker sound, underpinned by driving drums and a moody groove. Say Goodbye maintains the moodiness, introducing elements of West Coast grunge alongside their Britpop leanings. Ridin’ The Line rounds off the album’s early listening with an energetic effort that combines a relentless riffs and punchy percussion. It’s an early highlight.

Write Me Off is a swaggering number at the heart of the album. It pairs nicely with I Can’t Always Be Around which ups the tempo and doesn’t let up. Cut Me Loose completes a mid-album trio with stunning vocals and a jangly edge.

The album is then rounded off by the uncompromising Killer In My Head, the anthemic Runnin’ Again, the mellow and thoughtful Out of Your Control, and album closer Fall To the Ground. The latter starts gentle and acoustic before building to a powerful climax. It’s a final highlight.

Their new album makes one thing for certain: Bedlam Rebels know how to rock. Across eleven tracks, it runs a gamut of styles, some expected, others not so much. Yet it always stays coherent and never wanders too far from its rock core.

Losers, Beggars and Lovers was produced by the band and recorded at their own studio. It’s out now and you can check it out below.