Another band that slipped through the cracks thanks to grunge. I’m sure that MCA had thought they had signed the next Guns N Roses. The similarities are there for all to see, except these guys are better. Singer, Ray West, is the secret weapon – my god what a set of pipes! The guitarist, Paul Bartolo, is way better than Slash and has all the chops. I haven’t played this in a long time and I’ve checked it out on Discogs and apparently it goes for big money, I guess it’s down to the fact that not many were pressed on vinyl.
Broken City is a killer track and what a way to open the record. This band rocks hard!!! Back On The Bitch has very suspect lyrics to say the least, but the music and groove are outstanding. Switchblade Serenade is next up and could be the best yet – with an awesome hook and melody, and the cherry on the top is the awesome solo. More suspect subject matter follows with Hot Sex and the groove is decidedly funky with a killer guitar tone – jeez what a monster track! Suzy Suicide closes out Side 1 and we are flying here folks, the pedal has gone to the metal, and its the fastest track on the record!
Over to Side 2 we go with Dead Of Winter. It has a great slow build opening that leads into a sleazy beast of a tune. Scratch Like A Cat has an almost Aerosmith vibe, but faster and dirtier with a very EVH style solo – there was even a self financed video to this track. Thru These Eyes is the obligatory ballad, well that’s how it starts, but then transforms into a dirty sleaze fest. The band’s self titled anthem is next up and it’s a good old glam stomper. Let’s see those hands in the air🤘🤘. 42nd Street follows and is a short acoustic blues piece that leads into album closer Shotgun Kiss, which is the sleaziest the band get.
IMHO, this is one of the Top 5 glam/hair metal albums and should be a must have for anyone who’s into this type of rock. I know it’s hard to find even on CD, but you won’t be disappointed.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
