THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Day: May 19, 2025

JET RED – S/T

May 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

Another band and album to be filed away in the “nearly but not quite” category.

This album came out in ´89 through Relativity in the US and they did near enough nothing to promote the band. Shame, as this is a hidden gem in the world of melodic rock and AOR.

When the first track Bad As Heaven kicks in, it’s those Van Halen references that blow me away. Killer riff with matching grove and the lead playing is top drawer. There are a couple of ballads which they do well, but it’s the up tempo babies that flick my switch. My favourite tune is album close out track From The Skies. Superb rock/funk groove and the vocal harmonies are awesome.

I know this was reissued on CD about ten years ago, but if you can pick up a vinyl copy then do it, you won’t be disappointed. Great melodic rock!

8/10 from The Grooveman.

HEAVEN – Bent

May 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments

So, depending on where you are in the world, the title of this record is either Twilight Of Mischief or (what my copy is called) Bent.

It’s quite easy to write these guys off as mere AC/DC soundalikes because the the riffs and sound are very familiar, but Rose Tattoo are also in the mix as guitarist Mick Cocks was in both bands and that slide playing is instantly recognizable. What gives them their own identity however is vocalist Allan Fryer, who has more of a melodic hard rock tone to his voice, and when it comes to the hooks and chorus he gives the band its own identity.

There were two singles that were released from this album, Fantasy (which is my favourite tune) and In The Beginning. It’s a good old tap your toe rock n’ roll with no nonsense riffs and groove, and sometimes that’s all I need.

7.5/10

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