THE GROOVEMAN'S COLLECTION

REVIEWS FROM MY VINYL COLLECTION

Tag: music review (Page 374 of 493)

THE END MACHINE – Phase 2

October 9, 2021 /

According to George Lynch, this is an intentional return to the original Dokken sound – just without Don Dokken on vocals. The vocals are handled by Robert Mason who (just to confuse you) was the vocalist in Lynch Mob. So why not call it Lynch Mob I hear you ask? Well, with the BLM movement so very prominent around the world, George thought it would be disrespectful to use that has a band name again.

I’m not sure what Don made of this album and the one before, but the music on offer here is way better than anything Dokken have put out since Under Lock And Key. There is not a bad song on this album, and Robert Mason is a great vocalist – plus with Jeff Pilson doing harmonies, it’s a sure fire winner. I’m a big fan of George Lynch and he does not disappoint on this album, his playing and tone just hits the spot for me. There are so many great tracks on this album, We Walk Alone, Dark Divide, Shine Your Light, and the totally awesome Devil’s Playground.

If you were a Dokken fan, or just love great melodic rock, you should really own this record.

10/10 from The Grooveman.

EXODUS – Fabulous Disaster

October 9, 2021 /

This is the band’s third album released in ’89, and to me, they should be in “the big four” and not Slayer. For starters, they are better players, they write better songs, and they have a knack for writing killer grooves and hooks. The title track alone is better than anything that Slayer have put out, and it is the perfect thrash metal tune.

The whole first side is so good and gives Bonded By Blood a close run. Just to prove they are not a one trick pony, they come out with killer tracks like Cajun Hell, which sees the band thinking outside the box. This is an awesome track with a great groove and vibe. My favourite track is Verbal Razors which just smokes.

I’m sure most thrash fans will already own this, but if you don’t, then go out and procure one as it’s a great record.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

PAT TRAVERS BAND – Heat In The Street

October 8, 2021 /

After the first two albums were recorded as a traditional three piece, this album denoted the first change with the departure of drummer Niko McBrain to Maiden, and the introduction of a second guitarist with the arrival of Pat Thrall, and the legendary Tommy Aldridge joined on the pots and pans. This album is a step forward and was a more concerted effort to break into the US market.

The title track is a typical PT groove rocker with a great riff and killer playing. Killer Instinct has a more funky vibe and is a very American sounding track with big layered harmonies. I Tried To Believe is an ok track that is lifted somewhat by a great solo and killer tone. Hammerhead closes out Side 1. PT puts one of these killer instrumentals on most of his albums and this one one is awesome. Superb guitar sound and great playing.

Side 2 kicks off with the title track and it has that groove that PT could always lock into. Evie is the only track that has all outside writing credits, but Pat sings his ass off on this track. The second instrumental of the album follows with Prelude, and is a more laid back track than Hammerhead with lots of duel guitar harmonies. The album ends with One For Me And One For You, and is as close as PT gets to a ballad. You forget how good Pat is as a singer, and this track shows just how good he is.

Pat was on a run of great records with this album and it’s a great addition to anyone’s collection.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

HOUSE OF LORDS – s/t

October 8, 2021 /

As a spin off from Giuffria, Gregg managed to secure a deal with Simmons Records for a hard edged melodic rock band project, House of Lords. This is the first fruits of their labours, a self titled offering from ’88 and it was produced by super producer Andy Johns. The band is still going today, thanks to that home of lost souls Frontiers Records, but the only original member is singer James Christian.

Opening track, Pleasure Palace, has the big pomp keyboard intro and sort of gives a false impression of what’s to follow, as the track is good up-tempo rocker. I Wanna Be Loved would have made a great single – a very catchy tune. Edge of Your Life starts out as a big power ballad, but redeems itself as the groove changes into a more up beat tune. Shout out to Lanny Cordola whose guitar exploits add that little extra to every song – a great player! Lookin’ For Strange is the first speedy track on the album in Hot For Teacher style and is a great tune, it has plenty of guitars with a killer groove. Side 1 closes out with Love Don’t Lie and it’s big ballad time.

Side 2 kicks off with Slip Of The Tongue – probably the best track on the album. It’s a great up-tempo rocker with over the top everything. Funnily enough, it does remind me of Whitesnake in places. Hearts Of The World is the big production number on the album, big everything on this track. Under Blue Skies is a big sing-a-long anthem tune – albeit a bit lightweight in the groove department – and reminds me of St Elmos Fire. Call My Name is the penultimate track and it pounds in with big drums, and again the hook and melody are huge. The album closes out with Jealous Heart – a power balladarama. A really good album and quite reminiscent of the period.

9/10 from The Grooveman.

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