Tag: black rose

Now it’s quite unusual for a rock band from the North East of England in the early 80’s to not release at least a single on Neat Records, but Black Rose are just that band. Although, the track Red Light Lady was recorded at Impulse studios which was Neat headquarters.

Nice and raw with no frills is what this period of music was all about and Black Rose are giving it their best shot here. Sure, it has a few bum notes here and there but I love that just go for it attitude.

We’re Gonna Rock You opens up that album and it does what it says on the tin. Used And Abused is a nice mid-tempo high energy groover. Red Light Lady is a full tilt hard rockin’ blast, almost punk in its execution, but a whole bunch of fun to boot. Stand Your Ground closes out the EP and it has hints of Thin Lizzy and early Rush, mixed with that raw NWOBHM vibe.

A great little EP.

8/10 from The Grooveman.

Black Rose have been around since ’76 but with under a different name: Ice.  With the onset of NWOBHM they changed it to Black Rose in ’80 and finally got to record this, their debut album in ’84 at Neat Records Impulse studio in Newcastle. However, the album didn’t come out through Neat. Instead, it came out of a small indie label called Bullet. By ’84 the initial burst was over for NWOBHM and the mass signing frenzy was over, and just the quality bands were left. Black Rose were probably victim of that cull as they never made it to a major label.

The album is a fun listen and to be honest, they really needed a top producer to give them that final push as the tunes are cool and raw but they are just lacking in that something. Just Wanna Be Your Lover is my favourite track. The power and energy are infectious as they are in full Iron Maiden mode. They even get their Def Leppard on with No Point Running. In the category of things that are not that great is the ballad Baby Believe Me, which should just not be on the album. The song just doesn’t fit with the feel of the rest of the record.

If you are a NWOBHM collector you may have missed this one.

6.5/10 from The Grooveman.