THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: May 2023 (Page 3 of 11)

SUICIDAL TENDENCIES – World Gone Mad

May 22, 2023 /

This is the 2016 release from Psycho Miko, the original skate punk/ hardcore crossover band from Venice Beach. This was originally going to be the band’s last album, but I guess with Dave Lombardo on drums the band had never sounded so good.

Of course, there was always a lot of humour in the band and off shoot infectious grooves, this continues with opening tune Clap Like Ozzy a full on metal punk blast. The New Degeneration is the band being all metal with that chugga riff and pounding beat before we get all hardcore and things go 100mph. There are moments of normality mixed in with the angst and weird like a Get Your Fight On, where it starts like a normal rock song but eventually gives way to those metal riffs and this is my favourite track on the album. One Finger Salute is pure old school Suicidal, and it’s good to see Mike still angry with the man.

This is as strong an album as they have ever done, and I hope they keep it going.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

BLACKBERRY SMOKE – Stoned

May 22, 2023 /

This is a bit of an oddity. This was part of RSD in 2021 and was recorded live in one take at 1979 Studios. It consists of seven of the band’s favourite Rolling Stones tunes done in their own style, with that huge hint of the south thrown into the mix.

All Down The Line kicks things off and I have to say it gives the original a run for its money. Great opening! Sway feels like a Lynyrd Skynyrd song the way it’s played here. My all time favourite Stones song follows with Can You Hear Me Knocking, and it doesn’t disappoint here either. Of course it’s all about the middle jam section and how the groove just takes it away. Tumbling Dice, Just My Imagination, I Got The Blues, and Street Fighting Man don’t stray too far from the path.

A fun release and if your into the Stones, what’s not to love.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

BANSHEE – Race Against Time

May 20, 2023 /

Another killer band from the late eighties that were swallowed up in the musical shift. This is the band’s first album that appeared in ’89. There was actually a follow up album, Take ‘Em By Storm released in ’93, then that was it until a reunion in 2012. Although they remind you of everyone, they actually sound like no one – if that makes sense. Treading that fine line between metal and hard rock, this album is a must have in my opinion.

Shoot Down The Night opens up the record with a blast and the riff and guitar sound is superb with a grade A production. Next up is All Alone, great hook and melody but that guitar solo by Terry Dunn is one for the ages, and it is defo my favourite track. The title track is up next and I love the guitar melody that sits just under the killer vocal from Tommy Lee Flood, who has a touch of the Dio’s in his voice and again the solo is top drawer. There is a short acoustic guitar piece and then it’s on to Side 1 closer Call Of The Wild. A double kick pounder that rocks hard with a beast of a riff and yet another epic solo to froth over.

A great bass riff opens up Side 2 and Precious Metal assaults your ears with a slow pounding groove monster. Desire is next up and again, that bass groove hits you first, the guitar riff is super cool, and that middle eight is killer. Get It On The Run feels like a much heavier version of Motley Crüe, at least the groove does anyway. It’s ballad time next with Missing You and… well, the solo is awesome. Normal service is resumed with Drive Like Hell, those double kicks are driving it hard, and yet another version of that RIFF. The album closes out with Desert Moon, a weird and eerie sounding bass solo.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

KIX – Blow My Fuse

May 20, 2023 /

This was album number four for KIX and the one that really did the business in terms of sales and has been certified platinum. This is mainly due to the songs being much more radio friendly and bringing in outside writers to help give the band that elusive hit single, which they had with the ballad Don’t  Close Your Eyes and No Ring Around Rosie.

Now, Rosie is a kick ass song and is more like early Kix and their first album, which is killer. Other highlights for me are Side 1 close out track She Dropped Me The Bomb, where they steal riffs straight out of Highway To Hell-period AC/DC, but who cares when the song is this good. In fact, the majority of the album is based around that whole AC\DC vibe with the added bonus of the hooks and choruses being pure party time rock n’ roll. My favourite track however is the final track on the record, Dirty Boys. The DC vibe is there for sure, but the tempo is high and rockin’ and this is how you close out an album.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

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