The Moshville Times - Skid Row’s Rachel Bolan announces solo debut Gargoyle of the Garden State

After four decades as the engine room of Skid Row, bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan has finally stepped into the solo spotlight. Operating under the name BOLAN, he’s set to release his debut album, Gargoyle of the Garden State, on 12th June via earMUSIC.

The first taste of the record, “At War With Myself”, has dropped today, featuring a guest turn from the high-energy Canadian rocker Danko Jones. The track serves as a proper introduction to what Bolan is calling a deeply personal project, rooted in the grit and attitude of his New Jersey roots. Far from just a “bass player’s album,” Bolan has taken the reins on the majority of the instruments himself, blending his love for punk energy, glam, and even a bit of Britpop.

Produced by the multi-Grammy winner Nick Raskulinecz – who previously worked with the band on The Gang’s All Here – the album features a star-studded list of mates. Alongside his Skid Row brothers Scotti Hill, “Snake” Sabo, and Rob Hammersmith, you’ll find appearances from Corey Taylor, Nuno Bettencourt, and Damon Johnson. There’s even a reimagined cover of Oasis’ “Rock And Roll Star” tucked in there, which should be an interesting listen given Bolan’s distinctive lens.

“Gargoyle of the Garden State is not a project, it is every bit of my soul,” Bolan says. “Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is.” It sounds like it’s going to be a belter. We’ve kept a close eye on the band’s various ventures over the years – including when they branched out into the booze business.

The album will be hitting shelves on CD, LP, and digital formats this summer, and you can get your pre-orders in now.

Gargoyle of the Garden State track listing: