"We’re dealing with a band who are all intent on delivering their rock’n’roll to full effect. Continental mix it up, from Country through to Powerpop and Blues through to Punk, but, much like the Replacements in their prime, it works because the focus is always on the song and what it needs. Along the way you’ll hear hints of Cheap Trick, maybe some classic Rolling Stones, perhaps even some Supersuckers, but trust me it’s all good. Definitely the kind of band that could liven-up even the most dour of pubs." - Fear And Loathing Fanzine
"Continental are back! It’s been a while since we heard from Rick and Stephen Barton, the father-and-son duo at the core of the Boston-ish rock and roll band. They took their time – and a few trips to Tennessee – to craft a new album on breaks from their collective day jobs (painting houses). The result is Hello, a lean, mean, rock-and-roll machine that came out on their new label home, Rum Bar Records." - Dying Scene
"Continental is a family affair as Rick is joined by son Stephen Barton on Bass as well as drummer Andrew Dickson and Paul Yu on lead guitar. Continental play punk-influenced rock’n’roll. The Clash is an obvious influence but I hear the melodies of the Beatles, the sleaze of the Rolling Stones, and the pop sensibility of Cheap Trick along side some dirty blues guitar. Continental is a very fine band and Hello is a fine album that deserves your attention." - Shite'n'Onions
"I've been a fan of Rick Barton's for awhile now. Starting with his legendary bands The Outlets and Dropkick Murphys, right through The Shadowblasters, Everybody Out and a few I've probably missed!! His latest project he's been playing with, Continental continue to pump out great songs. They have a full length coming out on Rum Bar Records titled "Hello", I highly suggest giving it a listen!!" - Skybar Rising, WMFO
"A song like 'State O' Maine' is a HIT, in capitals, yes. Perfect rock and roll, perfect harmonies, perfect changes in the vocal melody and chords. Should I have left anything of brilliance out of this summery, I deeply apologise. On Hello decades of rock and roll come together in a blend that's almost too much fun. From The Rolling Stones into the 80s U.S. rock bands to Dropkick Murphies barring the Irish influences and anything resembling powerpop and punkrock in between, with a little americana on the side. It's all there in the nine songs on Hello. Granite City in the name Quincy gave itself. This music is just as hard rock(ing)." - WoNo Blog
"Continental's long awaited album Hello is almost ready for release by Rum Bar Records. Rick Barton and his son Stephen, have gone their own way and taken their time to make music the way they want. Two songs are up on Bandcamp now: “State O’Maine” and “Best I Can.” Both songs skirt genres but they kick and rock." - Boston Groupie News
Since 2010 venues from concert halls to basement bars have resonated with the sound of Granite City Rock & Roll. Continental uses their Quincy, MA hometown moniker to describe their unique blend of rock that draws influences from punk, country, folk, and blues.
Known mostly for his time as founding guitarist and songwriter of The Dropkick Murphys, as well as co-founding member alongside his brother of legendary punks The Outlets, Boston based rocker Rick Barton has spent the last eight years fronting his current band and labor of love "Continental." Continental's sound is soulful Rock n Roll, plain and simple. While often compared to a variety of different bands, they like to summarize their style as "Paul Westerberg writing songs for The Rolling Stones," a compliment they received and have remembered for years. "I wear my heart on my sleeve and prefer to sing about what's inside, rather than fast cars and shaking booty" says Rick.
Together with his son Stephen on bass, Andrew Dickson on drums, and various studio and touring guitar slingers, they have toured the US and Europe extensively as a headlining act, but also supporting bands such as Street Dogs, Reverend Horton Heat, Swingin' Utters, The Tossers, and The Business. Make no mistake, Continental is not a vanity project for Barton. When the band isn't on the road, the father and son team paint houses to support their "music addiction."
With four releases to their credit thus far, the band hunkered down in Franklin TN with Andrew Dickson at the helm to put out their new album "Hello". You can expect a raw but refined, clean but powerful, diverse and perfected version of the Rock n Roll that's come to be expected from Continental. "We decided to simply record an album that we would like listening to, and it happened to describe us perfectly." - Stephen Barton
credits
released March 17, 2023
Rick Barton - Lead Vocals & Guitar
Stephen Barton - Bass & Vocals
Andrew Dickson - Drums
Paul Yu - Lead Guitar
Basic tracks & main vocals recorded by Andrew Dickson @ studio D Franklin TN
Overdubs recorded @ Blue Banshee with Duggan D
Also @ Fox Harbour Sound, Harwich MA
Mixed by Dave Westner
Mastered by Bradford Krieger
Additional performances:
Duggan D - Vocals
Nathan Blaser - Tenor Sax
Artwork: Glenn Robinson
We would like to thank all the people (especially our families) that have graced our lives with their love & dedication, which makes the musical dream feel a little more real! It's not the easiest path to pursue! - Continental
Also, an extra special shout out to Philipp & Arlyn from Air & Graces for essentially affording us the opportunity to pursue that dream!
"Write this down: Rum Bar Records is turning into one of the absolute best labels for real rock & roll these days."
-- the legendary Bill Kelly, Bill Kelly's Blackhole Bandstand SiriusXm ch21 LSUG
Beer! Fun! Shapely ladies! Load up the woodie and head to the beach with this super tasty can of Beach Boys-meets-Ramones suds. Nostalgic? Sure. Fun as a beach bunny after a six-pack? YOU BETCHA!!!! Good Stuff! thedoggboy
Collected tracks from five bands including Cosmonauts, Susan, and Flat Worms provides a look into the vibrant Los Angeles music scene. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 19, 2017
Great upbeat songs with a positive message, skillfully performed with heart and soul by a really rocking band. Every track is a gem. A perfect album from start to finish, and a must have for lovers of power pop. andrewmiracle
