It’s hard to believe that Extreme appeared right at the end of the whole hair rock thing, because you feel as though they have been around forever. But, this is their first album which only came out in ’89. Of course we all know how huge Pornograffitti was for the band, but the seeds for that album were made here. That whole funk under groove thing that made Porno so huge is all over this release as well.
The opening track Little Girls just grooves along with a killer vibe and groove that you just want to rock out with; plus big extra points for a ripping solo from Nuno. Wind Me Up is a a glam rock anthem, and you’d be frog for thinking they were from LA instead of Boston. Kid Ego (which was a single in Europe) has all the dirty funk swagger and harmonies that you associate with Extreme. A huge fat riff is at the intro to Watching, Waiting and it is a lighters-in-the-air type power ballad with a monster solo. Mutha closes out Side 1 and we start with a stunning solo piece from Nuno, before hair metal heaven ensues with a superb riff to the main song.
Side 2 kicks off with Teachers Pet and it’s more of the same: a kick ass funky riff and groove, big harmonies, and MORE guitar. Big Boys Don’t Cry could be the funkiest track on the album with some great key changes to enhance the effect. Smoke Signals feels a little like Ice Cream Man right at the start, then we get back to more familiar territory with a dirty funk groove and beat, and Nuno really impresses on this one. Flesh N’ Blood follows and it’s the sleaziest track on the album with a very dirty riff. Rock A Bye Bye closes out the record. It has a Queen vibe right down to the piano intro, and a superb very Brian May solo piece right at the end. I know how Queen were a great influence on the band, and Queen producer Mack is at the helm for this record. A great record and a great band.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
