This is technically the band’s third album – the second one was really an EP. Having released the first album, Vices on Chrysalis, as well as the Waysted EP, this album was released on the indie Music For Nations. Ironically, with the switch to a more cleaner polished sound after this album, and replacing their vocalist Fin with Danny Vaughan, they would be back on a major. This album, and Vices, are a lot more rock n roll with a dirtier sound. This is mainly due to the gravelly tones of Fins voice.
Lead off track, Hang ‘Em High, got the band a bit of attention upon release. It struts and swaggers along and has a killer riff from Tonka. Hi Ho My Baby would not have been out of place in the LA glam scene as it has that sleazy vibe to the beginning of the song, but the middle eight has a totally different feel with a great solo. The main single from the album was Heaven Tonight, and it would not have been out of place on a UFO album. Side 1 closer, Manuel, also has the UFO vibe in their mellower moments.
Dead On Your Legs opens up Side 2 and is the Stones on steroids. Fin does struggle with the higher register vocals, but he does sing the sleazier tunes better. Rolling Out The Dice returns us to UFO territory again. I get Pete was a part of that band forever, but I would have gone for a different approach. Land That’s Lost The Love is the most non UFO sounding track so far, and that’s down to the heavier groove and riff. Crazy Bout The Stuff follows and carries on from the previous song with a heavier groove. The album closes out with a rousing cover of Chuck Berry’s Around And Around.
An enjoyable record none the less, but I get the change in vocalist as Danny could sing the phone book and would kill it.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
