It’s 1990, and the great grunge unpleasantness was starting to take hold, and yet major labels were still signing quality hair bands hoping they would break through – and Hericane Alice fit perfectly into this little box. They actually have been a thing since ’84 when they formed in Minnesota. Coincidentally, they have just released a brand new album for streaming only at this point.
It’s basically standard melodic hair metal fare, but done very well indeed. Opener, Wild Young And Crazy, is a great uptempo groover with a great hook and chorus. Bad To Love has single written all over it, and again has a great hook and chorus – plus additional killer solo. Dream Girl starts in true power ballad style, but the emphasis on this track is the power with another killer solo thrown in. The title track is up next and it’s my favourite track with its up-tempo fun groove – it’s definitely a rock night special. Side 1 closes out with Badboy Breakout, and it’s another hands in the air anthem.
Need A Lover opens up Side 2 with a big fat riff and groove, and party time continues. Too Late is power ballad number two and it’s lifted by a killer solo. Shake Shake Shout is a mother-give-them-what-they-want crowd pleaser. The anthems keep on coming with Crank The Heat Up, and album closer I Walk Alone. A fun album to listen to, and still stands up well today.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
