Viva Rock N' Roll

The song "Viva Rock N' Roll" by Deraps is a high-energy anthem that captures the raw spirit of classic rock, drawing heavily from the band’s love for Van Halen. Described as a “life-affirming, energetic party song” and a “rock anthem for the ages,” it serves as the title track for their sophomore album, released on May 23, 2025, via Metalville Records. The track kicks off the album with a fast-paced rhythm, scorching guitar riffs, and slick vocal harmonies, embodying the nostalgic vibe of 1970s and 1980s rock. Reviewers have praised its infectious energy, noting its potential to be a crowd-pleaser at live shows, with fist-thumping and headbanging vibes reminiscent of AC/DC. The song’s production marks a significant step up from their debut, benefiting from a larger budget and showcasing Jacob Deraps’ blistering guitar work alongside Josh Gallagher’s dynamic drumming.

An interesting piece of trivia about the album, including the title track, is its unique cover artwork. The hand-drawn cover features a parade of sheep holding protest signs with slogans like “Write your own songs,” “Pay your dues,” “Get a real job,” and “Entertain me.” This imagery delivers a powerful message about authenticity in rock music, reflecting Deraps’ commitment to delivering genuine, handmade rock n’ roll. The band’s choice to include such a bold statement on the cover underscores their dedication to preserving the raw, unpolished essence of the genre, which is evident in the song’s lively mix and groove. The track has been highlighted for its ability to transport listeners back to the golden era of classic rock, making it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions at THE ZOO radio station, where Zoo Freaks can revel in its nostalgic charm.

Deraps is a Canadian-Australian duo formed by Jacob Deraps, hailing from St-Georges, Quebec, Canada, and Josh Gallagher, from Perth, Australia. The two musicians connected online through their shared passion for Van Halen, initially gaining recognition for their impressive covers of early Van Halen songs featured on the Official Van Halen News Desk. Jacob, who handles lead vocals, guitar, and bass, and Josh, on drums and backing vocals, bonded over their love for the iconic band’s 1978-1984 era, particularly the David Lee Roth lineup. Their self-titled debut album in 2022 was a tribute to this vintage sound, earning them the title of “Best New Band of 2022” by readers of Japan’s Burrn! magazine and a spot for their song “My Side of Town” on Classic Rock Magazine’s “The Ultimate Playlist of 2022.” This early success led to opportunities to open for bands like Sword, Ann Wilson, Loverboy, Foreigner, and Blue Öyster Cult at the Stonedead Festival in the UK and Europe.

The band’s journey began with Jacob and Josh’s mutual admiration for classic rock, particularly Van Halen’s high-energy style and guitar acrobatics. Their debut album, though slightly rough in production due to a limited budget, showcased Jacob’s impressive guitar skills and the duo’s ability to capture the spirit of their influences. Signing with Metalville Records allowed them to refine their sound for Viva Rock N’ Roll, with improved production and a broader musical palette that includes elements of glam rock, hard blues, and even a power ballad. Despite their clear homage to Van Halen, Deraps has worked to carve out their own identity, incorporating influences from bands like Extreme and AC/DC while maintaining a fresh and authentic approach to rock music.

Fans of Deraps can connect with the band through their official social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and X. The band actively shares updates, including announcements about their music and live performances, such as their YouTube video for “Viva Rock N’ Roll” and the album’s pre-order details. While specific fan websites or dedicated Facebook groups for Deraps are not widely documented, their growing fanbase, affectionately dubbed “Zoo Freaks” in the context of THE ZOO radio station, can engage with the band’s content across these platforms. For the latest news and releases, the band’s official website serves as a central hub for all things Deraps, offering a direct connection to their music and mission to keep rock n’ roll alive.