Most people don’t seem to realize that these guys are from Holland and not the U.S. When you listen to the music you will know why.
This is album number two for the band, released back in ’89. You can’t deny that opener Rock In The Western World is a slam dunk of a track to open the album with. A superb uptempo groover that rocks your world from the get go. Definitely my favourite track. House Is On Fire is a hybrid AC/DC/Def Leppard riff fest. That simple groove and beat I’m always banging on about is a sure fire winner every time. The title track keeps the groove a rollin’ and this is the first track where you can say the music fits the name. Stranger Than Paradise was released as a single in the U.S. and it’s the most radio friendly song on the record. Side 1 close out track Damned If We Do Damned If We Don’t is a no nonsense Sunset Strip sing a long sleaze rifforama. Great first side!
Heroes Die Young has that big stomp drum sound that again reminds of Def Leppard. The second super radio friendly track is up next with This Time, and you’ll be very surprised with the Journey-style hook and chorus. Back to the four to floor rockin’ with the wonderfully titled When The Brains Go To The Balls, where those DC riffs hit the spot. Don’t Talk About Roses is more of the same with a great main riff. Last track is Girls Girls Nasty Nasty and it’s good to go out on Friday night party special.
An often overlooked album of the time, which is a shame as it’s a kick ass record.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
