Emerging from a journey of personal trials and musical evolution, Rok Ali, the powerhouse frontwoman of Rok Ali and The Addiction, is redefining the hard rock genre with their explosive new album, Pulse. Known for their distinctive sound that melds the sophistication of hard rock with the raw, dark undertones of grunge and metal, the band is making waves and capturing the essence of rock like never before.
Rok Ali’s love affair with rock began early, though her path was marked by the shadows of addiction. Now, emerging from the darkness with a renewed passion, Ali and her formidable band are leading the charge in hard rock. The collective features Chris Nix, a guitar virtuoso with a storied career that includes collaborations with James Brown’s band, Jo Dee Messina, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tonic, and a five-year partnership with Jonathan Davis of Korn.
Bassist Lee Beverly spent nearly two decades backing the legendary Eddie Money. Lee’s bass became a foundation for legends like Mickey Thomas, Lou Gramm, and others. Kevin Murphy, the rhythmic heartbeat of the band on drums, is a name that resonates with musicians and fans alike. Sharing stages with a diverse range of genres and artists, from Tonic to Daughtry, his drumming prowess is an auditory spectacle.
Their debut self-titled album, released in 2022, established Rok Ali and The Addiction as a force to be reckoned with. Building on that success, their cataclysmic sophomore record, Pulse, showcases the band’s remarkable growth and creative prowess. The title track, ‘Pulse’, has garnered official GRAMMY® Consideration from the Recording Academy and has been placed on the ballot for the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards®.
Ali describes Pulse as a “reflection of growth and an invitation to change”, which is evident throughout the album. The opening track, ‘Change The Script’, sets the stage with its 90s-inspired heavy thrashing guitar sound, blending Ali’s delicate yet powerful vocals with the band’s organised rock chaos, immediately pulling you in with that relentless allure that this band holds.
The title track, ‘Pulse’, stands as a dark grunge rock anthem, channelling the raw energy of bands like Nine Inch Nails, Incubus, and Soundgarden. With deep octave-droned guitars, thumping drums, and Ali’s intoxicating vocals, it creates a brooding yet radical soundscape that pushes the boundaries of rock.
‘Beneath The Boards’ offers a more stripped-back, melancholic acoustic moment that highlights the band’s versatility to write a song that is pure and understated. ‘Song Zero’ delivers a high-octane thrill with its layered, thrashing guitars and cleverly crafted melodies.
Closing track ‘Wait For It’ is an absolute monumental statement from the band, blending heavy 90s rock ‘n’ roll with Ali’s dynamic vocal performance. Ali playfully talks amongst the rhythmic heavy rock progressions and drum fills, in a song that really comes to the forefront of heavy 90s rock ‘n’ roll at its absolute finest.
‘Pulse’ is a record that represents a redefinition of modern rock. It blends nostalgia filled heavy rock, metal, grunge and everything in between, with a cutting edge personality from Ali herself imposed throughout. It’s a masterpiece from Rok Ali and The Addiction, blending all of your favourite ingredients to make something just that little bit different and special.
