When I usually say that “this band should have been huge” it’s usually down to record label apathy because they dropped the band for whatever stupid reason. But for this band, they dissolved when Carmine Appice folded the band because he threw in his lot and joined John Sykes in Blue Murder. I love Blue Murder, but they only released two initial albums and then goodbye. Hindsight is a wonderful thing right?
This is the first King Kobra album released in ’85 and it’s a bit of a stormer. The title track gets things going in fine style with a hard rocking beast of a track – with a killer riff and groove, and an equally superb vocal from Mark Free. Hunger is a melodic rock master class, a great melody and hook with the a big sing-a-long chorus. Shadow Rider has a very sleazy riff and slow groove, with a short killer solo. Shake Up has (what I call) a stock 80’s riff with a great guitar tone and big huge chorus. Attention closes out Side 1 with a blast and double kicks a plenty – a bonafide party rocker.
The party vibe continues with Side 2 opener, Breakin’ Out – another up-tempo rocker with the big hook and chorus. A really nice riff and guitar tone opens up next track, Tough Guys, with a textbook hook and chorus, and a very nice dual guitar solo. Ballad city next with Dancing With Desire, and they do try something a little different with the format that keeps it interesting. Second Thoughts is my least favourite track on the album – it feels as though it belongs on a soundtrack from any teen angst 80’s movie. Piece Of The Rock closes out the album, and it’s a big anthem hands-in-air finish.
An album very much of the eighties, but a great example of the genre.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
