THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Month: March 2025 (Page 1 of 7)

NEVADA BEACH – Zero Day

March 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Originally, other than an EP this was the only album Nevada Beach released and it came out in ’90. But, they have since resurfaced with new material. Think of AC/DC crossed with Great White and mid period Cinderella, and you get the idea.

I have seen these guys described as “the biggest bar band you’ve never heard of” and I think that does not do them justice at all. If you like the no nonsense, no frills approach to your rock n’ roll then you will really love this album. Led by the vocal and guitar talents of Hank Decken, this album is guaranteed to get you up and rockin’. Decken’s voice is from the Bon Scott school of delivery and it fits the grooves perfectly.

This is one of those records that you love instantly because it goes straight for the throat and you will be bobbin your head and tappin’ your toe, it’s highly infectious. There is only one track I don’t care for too much and that’s the ballad Only The Fool. I have a couple of favourite tracks on this one and that’s the full on groove boogie of Action Reaction and the title track, which shows how they are no one trick pony with a really cool song.

You can pick this up for not a bad price and it’s a highly enjoyable record.

8.5/10 from The Grooveman.

SNAKEPIT REBELS – S/T

March 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Now, if you see the band’s picture on the cover and the name of the band you’d be forgiven for thinking that these guys were an out and out sleaze/glam outfit. Bu, that is not the case! There are little moments where you could say that, but overall this is one kick ass hard rockin’ melodic fun fest. Plus, they are Swedish and we all know everything from there is awesome right?

Great production, big hooks with massive sing along choruses, this is another band that sailed right below the radar. I was skipping around the internet looking for people’s views on this band and the ballad You Left Me seems to be the one song that people rave about. Yup, it’s a good one, but the uptempo songs are the ones that get my brain cells groovin’. Wild Boy, Nightmare Boggie, and Sex Booze And Tattoos are awesome tunes. They also do a great AC/DC groove with songs like Lady In Black.

Cool band and a fun record.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

SHOK PARIS – Steel And Starlight

March 30, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Hailing from the self professed rock n’ roll capital of the world, Cleveland, Ohio this is Shok Paris’ second and best album that came out in ’87. Treading that fine line between melodic rock and metal at times, they make a wonderful noise indeed. Fronted by the huge voice of Vic Hix (who reminds me of a more metal Parramore McCarty) and and the ever present guitarist Ken Erb, they had their shot for a brief moment but it just didn’t quite happen for them.

Now, if they had more songs like opener Go Down Fighting, I think it would have been a slam dunk for these guys. A high octane melodic metal gem with killer twin guitars and an epic opening, this track definitely hits the spot. You get the same killer opening to Side 2 with On Your Feet. Side 2 is more loaded than Side 1 which, in my experience, never happens. Fallin’ For You and Hot On Your Heels are also great tunes. It just shows how the sequencing of a record can make all the difference. However, four great songs don’t make a great album and there are a few fillers.

7.5/10 from The Grooveman.

STAR STAR – The Love Drag Years

March 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments

While searching around for info about these guys I came across a quote that said, “too punk for rock and too rock for punk,” and I think that just about sums them up.

Definitely leaning on the sleazy side of the street musically, although the image is more barfly, they have this knack to write very catchy power pop anthems. They only made two albums, of which this is the second that came out in ’92 and it was too late to make much of an impact with all the attention zeroing in on Seattle. Nevertheless, this is a high grade sleazy rock ‘n roll funorama rammed full of great songs and grooves that has flown under nearly everyone’s radar.

These guys blow bands like Faster Pussycat totally out of the water. So many killer songs you wonder what the hell happened. You can pick any from Fly Boy, Science Fiction Boy, The Love Drag Years, Diggy Dragster, or Treasure Or Trash and they are all bangers and worthy songs. But the favourite tune award goes to the totally sleazeball track, Baby Shoulda Known. Killer fast riff and groove with a matching dirtbag lyric that is just such a fun tune.

Great album that just puts a smile on your face, and these guys can play.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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