REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: July 9, 2022

DISNEYLAND AFTER DARK – No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims

This is the band’s third album and I think the last to use the full name, as they were threatened with a law suit by Disney if they didn’t change it. I remember a lot of reviewers at the time not knowing how to pigeonhole them as they didn’t quite sit perfectly in those little boxes that music papers love to put bands in. There is a big sleazy LA influence in a lot of what they do, but there is that underlying indie/ Sisters Of Mercy vibe going in as well.

Opening track has that AC/DC riff going on, then that very indie picked guitar part kicks in with a foot firmly in both camps. Jihad is pure sleazy groovin’ rock n’ roll – a great wake up tune. Point Of View reminds me a bit of Oz rockers Midnight Oil. Rim Of Hell starts with the stripped down simple riff that is so infectious and just gets louder and dirtier. ZCMI is peddle to the metal punk rock n ‘roll. True Believer gives Rose Tattoo a run for their money in the barroom rock n’ roll arena. Girl Nation ironically enough reminds a bit of Horse Nation by the Cult. Lords Of The Atlas is my least favourite track on the album as it doesn’t do a whole bunch. Overmuch is a dirty beast of a groover with great riff. Love the riff and groove to Siamese Twin, just a great rock n’ roll tune. Wild Talk has such a simple riff, and I love the hook. The album closes out with Ill Will which is just two minutes of angst and noise. The cover is the version before the law suit so it has the full name. This is just a great fun record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

HOUSE OF LORDS – Saint Of The Lost Souls

So as far as I can make out, James Christian is the only original member left in the House of Lords’ current line up. Gregg Giuffria, who originally set up the band, left way back when and is now involved in Vegas. The band were done and dusted after the Demons Down album back in ’92, but were resurrected again by Christian in 2004.

This album was released back in 2017, and I think since the inclusion of Jimi Bell on guitar the band have put out some really good albums. The majority of this record is a classy and well written melodic rock/aor album with crystal clear production. They do let the beast loose on occasion; in the title track, the best track on the album, the tempo increases and so does the riffage. The other track that that really grabs me is album closer The Other Option, as the double kicks are groovin and Jimi Bell is riffing hard. It’s good to see classy melodic rock albums still being recorded as there is a fanbase that still wants them.

9/10 from The Grooveman.