Review: Luke Stamenkovich’s single ‘Atomic Playboys’

By Angelina Singer, Rock At Night Boston

Review: Luke Stamenkovich’s single “Atomic Playboys” – Release date March 20, 2023

This post-apocalyptic jaunt is full of creative imagery and slick guitar licks straight out of the 80s — which makes sense, since this song is a cover of “Atomic Playboys” by Steve Stevens from 1989. Newer onto the scene is Aussie musician Luke Stamenkovich, who recently teamed up with Guns N’ Roses Alum Todd Kerns for this cover of “Atomic Playboys”.

While I think this rendition absolutely does the song justice with its accuracy in tone and style, I would’ve enjoyed seeing this newer artist take some more liberties to make it his own. Depending on the artist’s goals with this piece, I’d still say it’s a slam-dunk A+ given the smooth production and expertly-layered intricate guitar licks and vocal harmonies that kept the song true to the era it was originally released in. I also enjoyed the contrasting chilled-out, almost bossa nova feeling of the breakdown, which slams heavily into the face-melting full-throttle guitar solo moments later. Overall, a wonderful introduction into hard rock music for anyone newer to the genre, and a solid triumph for a newer artist joining forces with one of the greats.

About Luke

Luke Stamenkovich is a Perth born guitarist and composer whose formidable talents have taken him all the way to Hollywood.From Perth’s Optus Stadium to California’s iconic Viper Room stage, Stamenkovich has worked both live and in studio at some of the world’s greatest venues.Luke has won a prestigious WAM Award, taking home the 2022 bronze prize for best instrumental song.His debut instrumental EP Chasing Dreams  features an impressive roster of top Los Angeles session musicians known for their work with artists such as Gwen Stefani, Pink, Shania Twain and more.To celebrate the 2021 EP release, the talented lead guitarist headlined a mammoth two hour show at The Milk Bar with an all-star local line up of special guests.Currently, Luke continues to work full time as a session and touring musician

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Angelina Singer

In addition to her writing careers as a published author, editor, and contributor to Rock at Night Magazine, Singer graduated Magna Cum Laude from Stonehill College in 2019 where she studied English, Music, and of course, Creative Writing. In her spare time she enjoys crocheting, as well as mentoring younger music students at a local music store - where she studied guitar for over a decade. She views her writing as a way to simultaneously escape and embrace reality.

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