I reviewed Atomic Broncho’s last single Fly Away in February of this year and was eager to hear more from this band. But before I tell you my thoughts on this album, let me remind you who Atomic Broncho are.

From Austin, Texas and London UK, Atomic Bronco is a retro-inspired indie/alt rock act. It is the creation of producer and songwriter Kyle Nuss and blends an interesting mix of indie, alternative, garage rock, lo-fi and classic rock. Atomic Broncho is a one-man rock band originally from the heart of rural America, and the project was founded, and the first two albums released while he was living in London. He now makes guitar driven music in his Austin studio.

Bull In A China Shop is the band’s latest album and although the album was almost done in November 2022, due to Kyle moving to Austin, the album was put on hold until he had settled down properly and was eventually released on 14/04/2023.

Kyle wrote and performed everything on this album, showing his exceptional musicianship, talent and song writing skills, and he really has produced an album able to captivate the listener.

The album is a genre-blending mix of a wide range of influences, resulting in an almost unique sound for Atomic Broncho while also being very reminiscent of the likes of The White Stripes, Kasabian, and Arctic Monkeys.

The guitars on this album are typical of the sound of 90’s alternative rock, heavy when they need to be but more laid-back at other times and the solos are superbly executed. Different styles of playing are incorporated throughout the album, and, at times, you would think there was more than one guitar player! A soft country guitar twang at various points during the album is also a terrific addition.

The drum and bass section is tight and keep the songs on track perfectly. Funky basslines show through on occasion, giving the album a slight groove that will certainly get the listener tapping their foot, at the very least.

The vocals on this album are impressive. Kyle has a very soft voice, almost to the point of hypnotic, but it doesn’t lack power and strength because of this. He commands all the tracks and, although his voice is gentle, he is never overshadowed by the music behind him. He can also turn up the tempo and singing a ballad is just as easy for him as singing a full-on rock track! This shows just how diverse this musician really is.

The album is a great mix of energetic rock tracks and soft rock ballads and there is a perfect ballad between the two, as the change of pace keeps the listener engaged in the album.

This is a great album that is full of nostalgia while also maintaining quite a contemporary feel and to think the sound has been created by just one person is simply phenomenal.

I’m heading over to Spotify now to check out more of Atomic Broncho’s music. Want to join me?

Track Listing:

1) Default Settings

2) Get You Off My Mind

3) Let It Go

4) Foolish Games

5) In Your Shoes

6) Lost

7) Fly Away

8) Classical Conditioning

9) Sky’s On Fire

10) Nostalgia

11) Along With Me

This review is the property of The Metal Asylum