Right band, wrong time. By the time this album appeared in 90s the end was nigh for bands like this as the doom and depression of Seattle was banging on the door. I remember seeing this album in bargain bins along with Tora Tora, Roxy Blue, Wildside, and a whole bunch of others. Now they go for big money! I’m giving the impression that this album isn’t that good. Well, that is definitely not the case as this is a definite 100% big hair rock banger.
Right from the get go with Love Ain’t Easy, this album rocks. Big fat riff with some killer guitar from Chris Risola and a hook so catchy you’ll be singing all day. Can’t Stop Me Lovin’ You is a monster tune and gets my vote for favourite track. Man that guy can play! Killer solo. The quality continues with Like Never Before, another sing-a-long banger with a massive chorus. The single I’ll Never Let You go follows and it reached #23 in the US, which I guess makes them a one hit wonder. Side 1 closes out with Everybody Loves Eileen, a fun mid tempo rocker with a nice simple riff and catchy hook.
Epic intro to Side 2 opener Sheila, with a huge sounding guitar for what is basically a simple, slow, groovin’ blues. Gimme Gimme is next up, a glam sleaze fest typical of the Sunset Trip vibe even though they are east coast boys. Rock N’ Roll, I Just Wanna is the speediest track on the album with yet another variation of “THAT” riff… and the solo is killer. Time for the mood killer next with the ballad She’s Gone. The guitar is killer but I just don’t like ballads. The album closes out with Down N’ Dirty and we are going out with a bang. A super fun song that hits the spot and you just have to sing along.
A great sounding album, definitely recommended.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
