PRESS and REVIEWS

self-released; 2023

By Dino DiMuro

Out of the Ashes is a South Florida rock

band with a sad history. After releasing a

14-track album titled Night Time Hour and

a follow-up single called “High, Dirty and

Low,” lead singer Jack Stevens died on

the eve of their biggest show. Stevens’ old

partner Ray Anton has re-formed the

band and released three new singles,

including a new take on “High, Dirty and

Low.”

The core of the band consists of guitarist

Ray Anton and his wife Maria Serritella on

lead vocals, with support from Joey Lee

Tiger on bass and Roger “The Tank”

Gonzalez on drums. Guitarist Anton’s

main influences are hard rock and heavy

metal, and he mentions Eddie Van Halen, Neil Giraldo and Neal Schon as guitar heroes.

“High, Dirty and Low” literally kicks in with

hardcore riffing similar to Metallica, but

the vibe changes immediately with the

aggressive rock vocals of Serritella, who

channels all the greats including Ann

Wilson, Joan Jett and even Suzi Quatro.

She bites off the lyrics like molten nails,

harmonizes beautifully with herself on the

choruses and does that fun kind of

“whoop!” dialogue between the lyrics.

Anton’s guitars are thick slabs of metal

behind blazing leads and stuttering left-

right effects skittering across the stereo

field. The bassist and drummer provide

rock solid backing. Overall this is like the

best Runaways song you’d ever hope to

find. 

“How do You Know” is a “lost love song”

that goes more mellow right at the top,

with phase shifted electric guitar playing

shimmering, dreamy chords. Serritella’s

vocals are quieter and more intimate, a

much better showcase for her amazing

pipes. The chorus shifts into harder rock,

then returns with angelic disembodied

voices and synth sounds. This is stadium-

ready rock including a dramatic build and

killer lead soloing by Mr. Anton.

“So Very Hard” more than lives up to its

name, as we’re back to the wailing power

chords, stomping beats and hard rockin’

vocals, whoops and chants. Ray Anton

takes his “zipping” right-to-left guitar trick

and reverses it for this track. For a band

known for live shows, there’s a lot of Brian

May-like production choices here,

especially during Anton’s frighteningly

visceral lead solo . This time, Serritella adds a bit of Dale Bozzio to her

sound. The verses get played in triple

time toward the end, making the track

even more propulsive.

Powerful stuff from a newly reborn group.

Check ‘em out!