After the initial burst of NWOBHM, there were bands coming out of the woodwork that wanted to attach themselves to (what was then) a successful movement. These bands were second and third wave NWOBHM, and Chrome Molly were part of the third wave. By the time this (their 3rd album) came out, they had a very commercial sound to their heavy grooves.
Opening track, Thanx For The Angst, is a kick ass melodic beast of a tune with a great riff and groove. I’m very confused by the next track, Take Me I’m Yours, which is a cover of the classic Squeeze tune. The Squeeze original is pure genius, and unless you are doing something amazing, it should be left well alone. This version just confuses, as the vibe is all new wave and the sound is far removed from the opening track. Don’t Let Go is a very American sounding pop rock tune with hints of new wave and is lifted somewhat by a great solo. Come Back has a killer opening riff and this is what this band do well – ROCK! I Want To Find Out closes out Side 1 and it’s as though a different band is coming out of the speakers – you would be forgiven for thinking this was a new romantic band playing.
Side 2 opens up with Take It Or Leave It and sees the band doing their best Def Leppard impression. Living A Lie is up next and is not a bad attempt at doing something a tad different. The production, although clear, is very sparse at times which leaves it sounding a bit empty. My favourite track is Thanx For The Angst, which is head and shoulders above any of the other tunes. This is a very confusing record, at times its killer, but I think the overall impression is did the band know what they wanted to be?
6.5/10 from The Grooveman.
