I guess it’s hair metal week as the old Discogs randomizer seems to be favouring these albums. Gypsy Rose are an almost forgotten about Canadian band that were discovered “cough” by Gene Simmons, and this was released on his Simmons Records imprint of BMG. The timing was all wrong as they were swimming against the grunge tide, which is a damn shame as this is a really kick ass record!
Opening track and single, Poisoned By Love, is a very strong opener with a killer hook and groove. Borderline is a killer track with a heavy chord progression and some great guitar, add to that a great sing-a-long chorus and it’s winner winner chicken dinner. The very Def Leppard sounding Make Me Do Anything You Want opens up Side 2. I’m a big fan of the twin guitars in rock bands as the sound is so much bigger, and Brian Joyce and Craig Gaver are a kick ass pairing. Shiver Then Shake reminds me of first album Cinderella – in a good way of course. Wild Reaction sees vocalist Michael Ross give us his best Steven Tyler impression and is the most sleaziest track on the album. A rather forgettable ballad follows before we get to album closer, Highway One Way, and it’s a fast shuffle boogie.
One album and gone – until 2012 anyway. So many good bands bit the dust because of fickle record company involvement. They looked for the new thing and good bands were ignored, just so some angst ridden youth can bleat on how life sucks.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
