So after the band’s two releases for major label Columbia, they (like many other bands) were dropped after the arrival of the great grunge unpleasantness. Although that was the end for a lot of bands, Dangerous Toys carried on for another two records, of which this was the first and released in ’94. Compared to the first two albums, this one is a little darker and heavier sounding, hence the title of the album and first track.
Paintrain starts with an old school heavy Aerosmith groove and feel, and the toxic twins would have been proud of this one. The Law Is Mine is a full on up tempo sleaze fest with just a hint of the Faces. Promise The Moon takes the vibe way down with an acoustic driven sound until after the first verse when Jason McMaster gives it his full on Rod Stewart homage. Side 1 closes out with Strange a great tune with hint of GnR attitude.
Over to Side 2 we go with opener Loser and the sleaze/dirty rock n’ roll vibe just oozes from every note. Hard Luck Champion follows and it’s my favourite tune. I love the swing to the groove and the dynamics are great. Screaming For More has a great acoustic, uptempo, barroom, Americana vibe. This is the sleeper track on the album. Oh Well So What has a great FU attitude and grooves hard with an AC/DC on speed vibe. The album closes out with Illustrated Man, a mid tempo sleaze fest rocker.
If you like that dirty sleazy rock n’ roll vibe then I guess you may already have this, but if not then give it a try you may be surprised.
8/10 from The Grooveman.
