Cleveland quintet iPhonic’s latest mixtape ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Vol. 1’ has definitely had me buzzing. The group have infused the genre’s pop, rap, hip-hop and of course rock. Their first mixtape, ‘Sorry For Partying’ was unbelievable and almost felt like it couldn’t be topped until ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Vol. 1’ came out on November 25th 2011. We give it an 8/10 and we can only see good things for the future of this band.

     1. Stand Up

Cowbells, lots and lots of cowbells. Despite the autumn release, this song will definitely remind you of the summer. The pop hook has the words “we are the voice of a new generation, intoxication that’s our reputation”.

     2. Sex

“All day I think about sex” are the first words whispered in this song. Rather than the more sexual seductive route synonymous with the likes of Chris Brown and Trey Songz, this track just praises the “activity” for what it is, no innuendos, just straight to the point.

     3. The Afterparty

The lead song from this album invites everyone to the after party. A cool guitar riff in the verse is the highlight of this song and the synth filled chorus just shows how well the band can write a solid hook.

     4. Rock n Roll Woman

Probably one of my favourites from the whole mixtape. The song sums up the rock ‘n’ roll essence of this band, boasting an incredible guitar solo and group hollerings of the lyrics “rock and roll woman” & “punk rock girl”.

     5. Shut It Down

The band promote the life of “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll” and promise to “fuck up this town.” An unexpected dubstep drop absolutely completes this song and adds complexity to what seems to be a very simple tune at first.

     6. Chilling

iPhonic’s laid-back attitude is described in this song, “never worry ‘bout what they say or the hate that they throw my way”. Cutting bass synths along with bright synth pads provide a party atmosphere in this track.

     7. Rock With Me

Another cool guitar riff leads this track. A thumping bass drum and light tambourines are quickly introduced but a dirty bass comes in and changes the mood completely and invites a girl with “a pretty face and a little slim waist” to rock with iPhonic.

     8. All Summer

A laid-back track with acoustic guitars and relaxed vocals singing “I know a place that we can go where nights like these will make you want to dance all summer”.

     9. Rowdy Boys

The drum part is reminiscent of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ and iPhonic promise to do the same. “I raise hell as if I fathered the devil” is the stand out lyric of this track (possibly the whole mixtape). The stand-out track of the entire mixtape, hands-down.

     10. Last Forever

A more reflective iPhonic is shown in this track. A piano led verse and a catchy chorus confessing nostalgia of “all these girls and all these nights”. A simple drum beat and acoustic rhythm guitar adds to this happy yet contemplative tune.

     11. Wake Up Sober

An almost reggae sounding riff is first introduced but when the synth sounds are added on top the overrall sound comes together with iPhonic pleading “don’t let me wake up sober”.

     12. This City

A song dedicated to their hometown of Cleveland. The beat builds and drops into a simple percussion led verse but the chorus is very uplifting and shows the love they have for their city. Also features Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy.

     13. Love Of The Game

Again making references to their hometown, “I represent my city through my music”. However, the song is more about what they did to get where they are now and behind all the sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll, the band work harder than people think. Features Machine Gun Kelly.