I’m a big fan of Steve who I first came into contact with due to Billy Idol. The Atomic Playboys was great, and I really liked Flamenco A Go Go which was a sideways step for him. Other than the Bozzio Levin and Stevens project, this is the only solo album where Steve rocks out.
The album opens up with a very scene setting into piece, before Hellcats Take The Highway bursts in and grooves at a great pace. It has some very cool guitar and an old school style rock n roll riff. The title track is up next which has a very cool riff, and in Satriani style, the guitar plays what would be the vocal harmony. Water On Ares is a really cool acoustic piece with just a hint of latin. The phased solo is killer! A cover of Day of The Eagle follows with Doug Pinnick on vocals. It’s quite hard to cover a masterpiece and improve on it. Whereas Steve does a good job on the guitar, Pinnick’s vocals fall short. Small Arms Fire has all Steve’s weapons on display. The amazing acoustic intro, incredible riffing, and epic soloing.
My favourite track is up next with, Cherry Vanilla. I love the Hendrix vibe and the tone and sound of the guitar is awesome. A short effects piece is next with Joshua Light Show. Then we have a very Jeff Beck inspired piece with Prime Mover, and I’m really loving that bass line and Steve’s slide playing. The album closes out with a very cool acoustic piece, Josephine. I think this is his best solo piece yet, and I hope there is another one to follow.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
