This is the Arista version of the album as the original was called Rock Hard before they were signed. If anyone is unfamiliar with The Rods, they were part of the USA’s answer to the NWOBHM around the early eighties, and Dave “Rock” Feinstein was Ronnie James Dio’s cousin – in fact they were in the band Elf together. I remember really liking The Rods at the time mainly due to Feinstein’s guitar playing.
In classic power trio tradition, Feinstein handles lead vocal duties on all songs apart from Ace In The Hole, which bassist Gary Bordonaro sings. I guess they were going for that Ted Nugent style which Feinstein’s vocal suit, but Bordanaro is the way better singer. Nothing Going On In The City and Power Lover probably sum up what The Rods are all about the best as they are the stand out tracks. Heads down no nonsense mindless rock n roll. It’s still a fun record to listen to even though it does sound dated.
7/10 from The Grooveman.
