NEW ALBUM, WHEEL OF FORTUNE OUT NOW. LISTEN/ORDER AT THIS THIS LOCATION
Grand Slam co-founding member Laurence Archer, and front man Mike Dyer, make it extraordinarily clear that theirs has been a true journey of destiny, one where early unions ended up leaving unfinished business on the table, and one which finally sees Grand Slam attending to said-business with the brand-new album Wheel Of Fortune.
Their story is one of persistence and craft, ensuring that the best elements of Grand Slam’s history were absorbed and fused with the experiences and drive of relationships stretching decades. However, do not make the mistake of thinking this is a band returning from a past: it’s a band fulfilling their present and future with a willfulness and desire that permeate every song on Wheel Of Fortune, from Archer’s faultless, fearless fret-driven song architecture on ‘Spitfire’ to Dyer’s swagger and style on ‘There Goes My Heart’. There are moments such as ‘Come Together (In Harlem)’ where the moody strut of original co-founder Phil Lynott is unmistakable, yet the multi-layered steamy swing of ‘Pirate Song’ makes it very clear where Grand Slam are coming from.
“I want everybody to see this as a new band… and anybody that hasn’t heard Grand Slam since 1984, I want them to see this as a fresh invigoration of the project moving into the modern times.” – Laurence Archer
Joined by Benjy Reid on drums and Rocky Newton on bass, some best laid plans for the band’s rebirth were set for take-off until Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill (it is one of the main reasons Hit The Ground will also be enjoying a 2024 release alongside Wheel Of Fortune). However, the creative fire and will to propel Grand Slam got stronger still.
Wheel Of Fortune is out now on a variety of formats and orders can be placed at this location
Watch the video for ‘There Goes My Heart’ at this location (video directed, produced and edited by Paul M Green).
Watch the video for ‘Spitfire’ at this location (Video by Fred Johanson).
Watch the video for ‘Come Together (In Harlem)’ at this location (video directed, produced and edited by Paul M Green).
“… already the opener ‘There Goes My Heart’ is catchy and cool. The next song has for sure the potential of a hymn…All ten tracks have a lot of soul and you feel that Grand Slam all worked with their heart. No difference if it is an old or new band – for sure a strong one” – Classic Rock
“Wheel Of Fortune” is a strong rock album with a good fair amount of music history” – Metal Hammer
“Grand Slam are back, refreshed and reinvented [and] could well provide the soundtrack to a fine summer” 9/10 – Powerplay
“An absolute tour de force with Archer scorching riffs that could set cannon balls flying!” – Rock Candy
“With the new album Wheel Of Fortune, Laurence is setting a monument for the late band colleague and mentor, Phil Lynott” - Rock Hard [DE]
“Flawless album, consistent from first note to the end.” – Rock Hard [IT]
“….very strong and especially the title song at the end: a ballad starting with acoustic guitar and then into electric which raises the tension and dynamics.” – Good Times
“What a superb album that nods nicely to the Phil Lynott heritage but clearly establishes a Grand Slam sound for the 21st century.” – Rockposer
Wheel Of Fortune Tracklisting
| 1. There Goes My Heart |
| 2. Starcrossed Lovers |
| 3. Come Together (In Harlem) |
| 4. Trail Of Tears |
| 5. Feeling Is Strong (Jo's Song) |
| 6. Spitfire |
| 7. I Wanna Know! |
| 8. Pirate Song |
| 9. Afterlife |
| 10. Wheel Of Fortune |
Grand Slam:
- Laurence Archer - guitar
- Mike Dyer - vocals
- Rocky Newton - bass
- Benjy Reid - drums
- Wheel Of Fortune is Produced by Laurence Archer
- Engineered by Pieter Rietkerk
- Mixed by Laurence Archer
- Mastered by Matt Wortham & Andy Pearce
- Recorded at Chapel Studios; additional recording at Manamana Studios
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