REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: January 30, 2023

THE DEAD DAISIES – Radiance

In The Dead Daisies’ short period of existence, its members have come and gone; it’s been a bit like a revolving door. This is the second album to feature the voice of Glenn Hughes on vocals and bass duties. Of course, with someone as recognizable as Glenn on vocals it’s very hard for the band when they record to not sound like a Hughes solo album. The vibe and sound of the band have changed over the last two albums, and that is solely down to Hughes and guitarist Doug Aldrich.

A very heavy blues vibe is the order of the day with that subtle hint of funk. Don’t get me wrong, I love that heavy groove music and this album doesn’t disappoint. Glenn as usual gives it everything, and Aldrich’s playing is awesome. Let’s get to the meat and potatoes, and the high points (it’s nearly all an high point). Shine On with that simple riff and four to the floor groove hits the spot, as does Born To Fly with that huge guitar sound, but it’s the single Radiance that gets my vote as favourite track. Stunning track with a masterclass from Glenn, I love the rhythm and guitar sound.

This may be the best album they have done.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

CACOPHONY – Go Off

The band only released two albums, of which this is the second. Widdly diddly diddly dum, shred shred, and more shred. Actually, there is some killer playing but first and foremost, this is a band with a vocalist (Peter Marrino) and song structures.

The band also has two amazing guitar players who have had differing fortunes, to say the least. Marty Friedman has gone on to be one of the genre’s best players with his solo work, as well as being a member of Megadeth. Jason Becker’s story is quite sad as while recording Dave Lee Roth’s A Little Ain’t Enough, he contracted ALS and has been unable to perform since, he is confined to wheelchair and bedridden.

I prefer this style of guitar album to the out and out shred fest albums, as the solos are short, sharp, and to the point. There is some unbelievable playing here and it’s jaw dropping in places from both of them. In terms of songs, my favourite is ESP. A great metal tune with a killer riff and wicked groove, and the playing is insane. Of course there are moments of pure widdlefestarama, like the title track which wears you out by just listening to it.

All hail Shrapnel records for putting albums like these out, and giving guitarists a voice.

9/10 from The Grooveman.