One of Canada’s hidden gems. I thought this band would be huge as this is a killer album, but I guess a mixture of poor management and terrible record company choices got in their way. It’s amazing how fans can see the potential in a band, but for whatever reason the suits at the record companies are clueless sometimes. They had a great vocalist in George Criston, and a twin guitar attack of Larry Gillsttom and Raymond Harvey. The focus was definitely on catchy sing along melodies and fat huge riffs, so the blueprint was definitely there.
The opening track and the lead off single, Heavy Metal Shuffle, is a killer track and got the band plenty of attention. Vices comes in with it’s great hook and melody. Stay On Top is more of straightforward rocker but done well. Dreamin’ About You is a power ballad with the emphasis on power, with a great vocal from Criston and a killer middle eight with a nice guitar solo. Side 1 closes out with Maneater, with a great stomp beat and a simple huge fat riff – a typical rock night dance floor filler. I think you’ll agree that’s a pretty awesome Side 1.
Over we flip with On The Road To Rock, which I think was a single – it’s a definite crowd pleaser with a big chorus and hook. Cause For Alarm is up next and the speed goes up a notch – its the most metal track on the album. Great tune! Alive & Kickin’ is a trademark hair rock stomp along track, as is All The Right Moves, which reminds me of Y&T. I can’t exactly put my finger on which track, but it’s a ringer for sure. We close out the record with Just Passin’ Through, and we are back to the big hook and melody. Great album by a great band.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
