They kick into Little Renegade from 2024’s Rogue to Redemption, which is in fact their most recent album. They rock much harder live than their records might suggest. They sound on a par with AC/DC, Thin Lizzy and UFO when those bands were in their prime. It’s not just their playing, however; it’s their material too, which is pretty awesome.

Tuk Smith is someone who so far hasn’t the breaks he deserves. His ability to write catchy Punk Pop songs like they don’t make ‘em anymore should have paid more dividends. His authentic Rock ‘n’ Roll personality and coolest demeanour hasn’t always chimed well in a corporate world. However, grey suits and rap-culture cannot rule forever. He is being pursued by labels and promoters and if there’s any justice the universe should be opening doors. The Monsters of Rock Cruise next year will expose him to a lot of people from all over the world who like it retro.

“Let’s have a rock ’n’ roll show,” he says.
That is exactly what follows, with the gig beginning with “Little Renegade”.
“I ain’t looking for trouble,” he sings on “Lookin’ For Love, Ready For War”, over a riff AC/DC would have been proud of. Yet there is always the sense that if trouble was available, Smith would probably know where to find it. He has that dangerous, street-corner swagger about him.

Tuk Smith writes songs that have the power to fill stadiums, with hooks aplenty and choruses to die for. His band look the part and are as tight as their denim strides. ‘Ballad Of A Misspent Youth’ has an urgency live, upbeat and instant, it pounds to a relentless, high-energy beat and has a chorus that begs to be sung loud…and sing we do.

“In short, this record is something that represents pure escapism that will allow for around twenty minutes of happiness across four songs. Opening things up is the title track itself that is just rock n roll in its purest form that somehow manages to feel vintage and nostalgic of the genre across multiple decades yet still sounding polished and new. It’s a feel-good, high-energy song that will make you feel like a teenager surrounded by fellow misfits as you go on a road trip, windows down, with the song playing at the loudest volume.”

“Tuk Smith is unapologetic in saying that he is producing the type of music that not a lot of other artists are doing at the moment but is the style he wants, which to me is 1980’s American Radio friendly Rock ‘n’ Roll, which isn’t necessarily aligned to what the current mainstream music world is all about in 2025. Describing this new EP as a mini-series coming between last year’s album ‘Rogue To Redemption‘ and the next album, with character driven narratives that tell a story.”

"There’s a certain thrill when an record grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. That’s exactly what Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts achieve with Troubled Paradise. It’s brimming with swagger, melody, and a spirit that’s impossible to fake. Here, rock ‘n’ roll feels urgent, raw, and alive—just as it should be." - 90/100

"Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts have gifted us a fine piece of work, it keeps the appetite whetted from last year’s ‘Rogue to Redemption’, until the release of their next full length offering."

"We’ll take “Troubled Paradise” as proof that real rock ‘n’ roll is alive, kicking, and living in Nashville — and named Tuk Smith." - 9/10

"Diverse rock music with hooks, it’s a really beautiful thing."

”Smith's songs are so fully-formed and so arena-ready – and his commitment to rock'n'roll so apparent – that you wonder why the major labels aren't tossing thousand-dollar bills in his face as they wrestle over his signature” - Polly Glass