SINGLE REVIEW: Mike Freund - Reputation
Hailing from New Jersey, Mike Freund is a seasoned Rock ‘n’ Roll artist known for his gritty guitar riffs and soulful songwriting, carving out his own space in the modern rock scene.
Backed by his steadfast bandmates, he delivers electrifying live performances: Tad Fletcher lays down deep grooves on bass, Jonathan Alcon drives the rhythm on drums, and Jake Henry ties it all together with rich, powerful organ sounds.
Opening with those soulful organs and setting a quick pace, Reputation becomes an immediate head-bopper. Gritty guitar lines, jittery warm bass, and the constant drive of the drums build a sense of anticipation. The vocals are tight, rough, and iconic. The short bursts keep you longing for more, and the big, complex solos really steal the show.
The song tells the story of a woman dressed in red, hinting at a mysterious past that only adds to her allure. As the lyrics shift from her appearance to her character—highlighting her kindness—it becomes clear there’s more to her than just beauty, which feels lyrically respectful. The track really hooks you in, and its repetitive nature makes it stick in your mind, becoming both timeless and unforgettable.
I love how the track begins as something immediately danceable, catchy, and rhythmic before gradually building into something much bigger and more powerful. It really showcases the wow factor!
In the end, it’s a track that doesn’t just ask you to listen—it pulls you along for the ride.
