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Crazy Lixx – Riot Avenue (Album Review)
Crazy Lixx – Riot Avenue
(2012, Frontiers Records)
1. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot … 3:42
2. Young Blood … 3:47
3. Riot Avenue … 3:58
4. Fire It Up … 3:49
5. Downtown … 5:18
6. In The Night … 4:27
7. Church Of Rock … 4:04
8. Heatseeker … 3:01
9. Sweet, Bad & Beautiful … 3:47
10. Be Gone … 3:38
11. Only The Dead Know … 6:19
Band:
Danny Rexon – Vocals
Andy Dawson – Guitar
Edd Liam – Guitar
Loke Rivano – Bass
Joel Cirera – Drums
Sweden’s Crazy Lixx have returned with their third album Riot Avenue. I’ve never heard their Loud Minority debut but I think it’s safe to say this band is getting better with each release. 2010′s New Religion was a good album that’s worth listening to but ultimately it did not have a lasting impact on me. Riot Avenue is a different story. As good as New Religion was, the songs on Riot Avenue are much stronger as the band continues to draw influences from the likes of Def Leppard, KISS, Buckcherry, AC/DC and Motley Crue.
I feel like the band is taking baby steps to not be as cheesy as a lot of the ’80s influenced bands are. Yes, these guys obviously are inspired by that decade of excess and will appeal to fans of that same era but I detect a slight gritty edge this time around as the band becomes less Def Leppard and more Buckcherry. It’s not a major change of direction from New Religion but I think it’s worth noting and they’ve certainly gotten a bit heavier as they’ve added a second guitarist. The AC/DC influence seems somewhat new but it’s apparent on “Downtown”.
“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” (WTF?) is the perfect opener. Fun, ballsy rocker that kicks things off right. I’m having trouble deciding whether that or “Church Of Rock” is my favorite track. Nipping at the heels of those two songs are the album’s closing track — the ballad “Only The Dead Know”. The rest is high energy rock ‘n’ roll that is sure to please all hard rockers that have a taste for glam, sleaze and pop metal.
It seems standard from Frontier Records these days but the production is great. I love all the backing vocals going on here and Danny Rexon does a great on lead vocals.
While New Religion proved to me that Crazy Lixx are a good band, it’s Riot Avenue that is beginning to cement the band’s reputation as one of the best melodic hard rock groups on the scene today. Riot Avenue is one of the year’s highlights so far for sure.
Highlights: ”Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”, “Riot Avenue”, “Church Of Rock”, “Heatseeker”, “Sweet, Bad & Beautiful”, “Only The Dead Know”
http://www.crazylixx.com
http://www.facebook.com/crazylixx
http://www.frontiers.it
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Album Review: Rattleshake – s/t
Rattleshake
(2012, Eonian Records)
1. Shootin’ Whiskey … 3:36
2. Gypsy Queen … 3:23
3. Take Me Down … 5:10
4. Mudbone Delight … 4:08
5. Jump On Me … 4:12
6. Never Say Goodbye … 4:26
7. Rattleshake Boogie … 3:14
Band:
Don McBee – Lead Vocals
Ralph Longo – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Mark ‘Freeze’ Freseman – Guitars, Backing Vocals
Bryan ‘Coach’ Lujan – Bass, Backing Vocals
Steve Fletcher – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: Rob Beaton & Rattleshake
San Francisco’s Rattleshake was an active hard rock band during the late ’80s. Though the band had the pleasure of opening for acts such as Tesla, Warrant & Winger, with the hair metal scene waning and grunge rising up, Rattleshake’s fate was sealed before ever getting signed. At least they were able to record a handful of tracks that, up until now, were unreleased. The sessions were co-produced with Rob Beaton (who has gone on to do studio work for GNR, Sammy Hagar, Santana, etc.)
This is a pretty cool collection of late ’80s hard rock. It’s not glammed out or polished like so many acts of that era became. Rattleshake has a bluesy & sleazy swagger to them that should appeal to fans of Ratt, Great White, Guns N’ Roses (I mention this because Don McBee sounds a lot like Axl at times) and Babylon A.D.
The two biggest highlights on this 7-track release for me are “Gypsy Queen” and “Take Me Down”. “Gypsy Queen” is a balls-out rocker that should’ve been enough to grab any label’s attention if not for poor timing and “Take Me Down” sounds like a lost Great White classic.
“Mudbone Delight”, “Shootin’ Whiskey” & “Jump On It” are three other ready rockers that show Rattleshake could bring the goods. Of course, what hard rock band during that era of hairspray could resist recording a ballad? Check out “Never Say Goodbye” for Rattleshake’s soft side. “Rattleshake Boogie” is just what it sounds like. A fun number to close the album with.
If you’re into seeking out quality bands that should’ve had more success, Rattleshake is another good find.
Highlights: “Gypsy Queen”, “Take Me Down”, “Mudbone Delight”, “Jump On Me”
http://www.rattleshakemusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/RattleShake/290834037641169
Wildstreet – Easy Does It
Wildstreet – Easy Does It (2012, self-released)
1. “Easy Does It” … 3:25
Band:
Eric Jayk – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Ian MacPherson – Lead Guitar, Vocals
Aaron Joos – Guitar, Vocals
Ali Hassan – Bass, Vocals
Brian Beck – Drums
“Easy Does It” is the new single from modern glam/sleaze rock ‘n’ rollers Wildstreet (set to be released through iTunes on January 24th). Though a Wildstreet III album is a ways off, the band wanted to give the people a taste of what’s in store once that third release does arrive.
I came across this band years ago while browsing Retrospective Records’ site and ordered the debut from there and loved it. The first album was very much inspired by the slick glam metal and Def Leppard sounds. The Wildstreet II E.P. was a bit of a departure that went for a more sleazy & raw sound that was influenced by AC/DC and High ‘n’ Dry.
“Easy Does It” continues Wildstreet’s path down the road of straight up no-frills rock ‘n’ roll. It’s easier to compare the song to Wildstreet II but as much as I liked that E.P., I think “Easy Does It” is even better and it gets me excited for the third release as the band continues to find their own rock ‘n’ roll identity.
If you’ve missed out on this band, track down their first two releases. You won’t be disappointed. Then, make your way to iTunes on 1/24/12 and purchase “Easy Does It” and watch out for the “Easy Does It” music video that will be premiering on January 30th.
www.wildstreetmusic.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Wildstreet/8342603261
www.youtube.com/wildstreet
Vains of Jenna – We Can Never Die Vol. 2
Vains of Jenna – We Can Never Die Vol. 2 (2011, RLS Records)
1. We Can Never Die … 3:39
2. Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead (2010 Mix) … 3:38
3. The Art Of Telling Lies (2010 Mix) … 5:24
4. Better Off Alone (2010 Mix) … 5:52
5. We Can Never Die [long play] … 5:06
6. Better Off Alone (2010 Mix) [radio edit] … 4:17
7. Josephine … 4:37
8. Hey Now … 5:21
9. Fuck You (Acoustic Version) … 3:18
10. She’s Not There (Acoustic Version) … 2:36
11. Jam Jam (Studio Outtakes) … 7:53
Band:
Jesse Forte – Vocals
Nicki Kin – Lead Guitar
JP White – Bass
Jacki Stone – Drums
This one totally escaped me in 2011. In 2010 the band released an six-song E.P. called We Can Never Die. That E.P. was meant to introduce fans to new vocalist Jesse Forte with a few re-recordings plus one new track (“We Can Never Die”). I remember that E.P. and remember not picking it up because I wasn’t really interested in re-recordings. In 2011, part two has arrived but instead of an E.P. it’s a full album featuring the We Can Never Die E.P. with five more tracks.
Preceding Reverse Tripped, “We Can Never Die” definitely shows a changed VOJ. It seems with Lizzy DeVine out of the picture, they’ve decided to drop the sleaze rock angle and are really going for more of a trippy/classic/alternative/modern rock mash-up. And I have to admit, it sounds good. Both versions of “We Can Never” sound very good. It’s a weird, trippy classic rock sounding kind of song with still retaining a modern touch.
I find it interesting that they didn’t re-record any of the songs from the Lit Up/Let Down debut but that album was pure sleaze and Forte doesn’t have the sleazy vocals that Lizzy did. According to a recent interview I read with Lizzy, he was the one in the band that was a fan of ’80s rock in the first place while the rest of the band was into ’90s alternative music, so it only makes sense that they are trying to expand their sound now that he’s gone. For the record, there’s nothing wrong with these newer versions, they just aren’t as sleazy and that all comes down to the vocals.
So that gets the original We Can Never Die E.P. out of the way and up next is “Josephine” & “Hey Now”, which are both new acoustic-based songs. Both are good songs that continue to show growth for the band and “Hey Now” reminds me of something Buckcherry might write. Then we have good acoustic versions of Cee Lo Green’s “Fuck You” and The Zombies’ “She’s Not There”. VOJ’s original cover versions of these two songs appeared on Reverse Tripped. Finally, the album wraps up with a collection of studio outtakes.
Not an essential album by any means but still a cool pick up for anyone who is a fan of Vains of Jenna. Despite their involvement with Bam Margera and Metal Sludge CEO/Tuff front man Stevie Rachelle, the band still seems to remain one of the unsung bands that is keeping that great classic rock vibe alive.
Hopefully in 2012 they’ll cease with the re-recordings and cover songs and give us a brand new studio album and they can pick up some of the buzz they originally had when the first hit the scene.
Highlights: “We Can Never Die”, “Everybody Loves You When You’re Dead (2010 Mix)”, “Better Off Alone (2010 Mix)”, “Hey Now”, “She’s Not There (Acoustic Version”
http://www.vainsofjenna.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/VAINS-OF-JENNA/77210915994
http://www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna
http://www.twitter.com/vainsofjenna
Sin 4 Sin – Arrest Me!
Sin 4 Sin – Arrest Me! (2011, self-released)
1. “Take It Off”
2. “I Quit Drinking (Again)”
3. “My Girlfriend Always Gets Arrested”
Band:
Brandon Hayden – Vocals
Chuck Stilletto – Lead Guitar
Billy Williams – Rhythm Guitar
Chain Saw – Bass
Dan T – Drums
Self-described as “party rock”, these Baltimore guys pretty much hit the nail on the head with that description. Sin 4 Sin sound pretty much like what you’d imagine given their name — equal parts sleaze and glam, they are good time rock ‘n’ roll.
There’s been a lot of comparisons to the Skid Row of old and it’s not hard to see why — vocalist Brandon Hayden sounds a lot like Sebastian Bach. This is especially true on “Take It Off” but on the excellent “I Quit Drinking (Again)” I think he also sounds a lot like Kevin DuBrow. Brandon’s voice still fits the snotty attitude & vibe of most guys that sing sleaze rock but there’s more range and power there than with most sleaze vocalists.
“Take It Off” is pure sleaze goodness and “My Girlfriend Always Gets Arrested” drives home the comparison to Skid Row even more as it displays the punky side that Skid Row occasionally had. This 3-song E.P.’s real highlight is the in-your-face “I Quit Drinking (Again)”.
FINALLY! A great, young sleaze/glam band that isn’t European! Sin 4 Sin are definitely a band worth watching out for. They’ve already shared the stage with similar acts like L.A. Guns, Faster Pussycat, Vains of Jenna, The Last Vegas and Charm City Devils but I think they’re ready to get hooked up with an opening slot for bands like Motley Crue, Buckcherry, KISS, Hinder and Guns N’ Roses.
http://www.sin4sin.com
http://www.facebook.com/sin4sin
http://www.myspace.com/sin4sinband
http://www.reverbnation.com/sin4sin
Looking Forward to in 2012…
2012 is shaping up to be another spectacular year for rock music. This is a year that is going to see releases from KISS, Judas Priest, Aerosmith, Van Halen and Black Sabbath. WHAT YEAR IS THIS ?!?
In no particular order, here’s what I’m definitely picking up in 2o12:
Accept – Stalingrad (April)
Accept really blew me away with Blood of the Nations. The band has proven there is life without Udo. In fact, I think many people would prefer the current line-up over the classic Accept roster at this point.
Crazy Lixx - Riot Avenue (April)
These solid modern glam-metallers are currently in the studio working on their 3rd album.
KISS - Monster (Spring)
Obviously, this is the album I’m looking forward to most. Sonic Boom was a triumphant return to the studio for these guys, now that the wheels are well-oiled, I think Monster has potential to be even better.
Sunstorm – Emotional Fire (February)
I missed out on the last Sunstorm despite good reviews. In the past year I’ve come to appreciate AOR/melodic rock more so I think I’m going to try out this Joe Lynn Turner-fronted side project when it’s released.
Crashdiet
No date yet set by these sleaze rockers but they are supposedly in the writing process now. I’m guessing sometime in the Fall.
Black Sabbath (Fall/Winter)
Another highly anticipated album for me because I’m really curious what it’s going to sound like. I’m not a big Ozzy fan, either as a solo artist or in Sabbath. I’d much rather see Iommi w/ Geezer go on to new projects (Iommi needs to give Tony Martin another call) but I still will be pre-ordering this one. My expectations aren’t all that high though given who is singing. I feel like he and Sharon are going to bring everyone else down to his mediocre level. Still, it’s exciting to know that new Iommi riffs and solos are coming.
Aerosmith (May)
So much prima donna drama in this camp over the last 5 years or so but hopefully that’s gone long enough to give us a new album. Granted, I don’t really expect much from these guys in terms of, well… anything anymore. They’re kind of a joke at this point but with the legendary Jack Douglas back on as producer, I have no doubts that he’ll drag something out of them that’s better than the last studio album (2001′s Just Push Play).
Van Halen (February 7)
Geez, it was starting to look like the new Chinese Democracy, wasn’t it? No album title has been released yet but a release date has been and the first single will be released on January 10. Van Halen is another band that has become a joke over the years (despite the last tour getting rave reviews) but I have a good feeling about this album. The first album with Roth since 1984 and 1984! Rumored titles have been The Future and 2012 but I don’t think either will turn out to be true. Maybe IV though..?
Judas Priest
The band hasn’t definitely said a new album is coming in 2012 but they’ve been working on new material for a while now and seem to be looking at 2012 for releasing it. It’s a different songwriting dynamic now though. Instead of Halford/Downing/Tipton, it’s just Halford/Tipton. By all accounts, new guitarist Richie Faulkner is carrying his weight in a live setting so I think the album is going to turn out quite good. I do think it’s time the band delivers a straight ahead metal album though. Angel of Retribution and Nostradamus were good but not excellent. The band really hasn’t given the world that kick-ass classic metal album that they should’ve already done since Halford has come back. They really need a Painkiller, Hell Bent for Leather or British Steel at this point and keep it simple.
Primal Fear - Unbreakable (late January)
I have heard this album. It’s good. Plan on reviewing it soon.
Mollo/Martin - The Third Cage (late January)
See above. It’s great to have a new album out with Tony Martin on vocals.
Buckcherry
Maybe wishful thinking on my part but they were working on new material this past summer so hopefully something new will appear by next summer.
The Last Vegas - The Other Side
No date announced yet but they recently released the free digital Other Side E.P. so I’d imagine we’ll have the new album by the spring.
Slash
His first solo album was one of the best records from the last few years and this time, Myles Kennedy is singing all the songs. Everything is written, all that’s left to do is record the songs so I’m guessing spring for this one as well.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra – Romanov: What Kings Must Whisper
The second non-holiday from TSO, it was actually planned to be their first album way back in 1994 but they held on it while trying to get a Broadway musical out of it first. Night Castle was dark and cool while still keeping that trademark blend of metal, rock and classical music, I expect more of the same here.
Dokken
With a deal in place with Frontiers Records for the new album, I’m expecting something special despite never being a huge Dokken fan. Lightning Strikes Again was good enough for me to be interested in a follow-up. The plan, as of this past November, was to have recording completed by February.
Stryper
This album was actually delayed from this past year in favor of recording and releasing the excellent The Covering album of cover songs. According to Michael Sweet, two albums are in the works: the first will be an album of re-recordings (Why? Can we stop this trend, please?) followed by an album of all-new material written in the same heavy, edgy vein as “God” from The Covering.
M-Pire of Evil
M-Pire of Evil is the renamed Primevil which itself was the reunited late ’80s/early ’90s line-up of Venom that featured Tony “Demolition Man” Dolan on vocals/bass . I’m not well-versed on the comings and goings of the Venom roster but the “classic” line-up is split into two different bands right now. Conrad “Cronos” Lant is leading Venom with a few newer guys while the other two “classic” members (Jeff “Mantas” Dunn & Anthony “Abaddon” Bray) have hooked up again with Dolan for M-Pire of Evil.
They released an EP this past summer called The Creatures of the Black, which was pretty good and I liked the Prime Evil album (the only Venom release I’ve heard from this line-up) so I’m looking forward to a full length album. I couldn’t find anything resembling a release date but going by the band’s Facebook page, it should be soon because they’ve been teasing releasing the album cover.
Tooth And Nail (March)
The band that features 3/4 of the classic Dokken line-up. How does “Wild” Mick Brown still retain a position in Dokken while joining Tooth And Nail? Given Don Dokken’s reputation, you’d think he’d have been fired from Dokken by now. I mean, this band was named after a Dokken album and they’ve gloated over the fact that Don Dokken isn’t in the group (bassist Jeff Pilson will handle vocals). What’s weird is that on the band’s Facebook page, they list current Whitesnake drummer Brian Tichy as a member as well… I guess he’s there for the live shows in case Brown has to go off and play in Dokken?
I’m probably forgetting a few more albums but oh well!
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The Metal Excess Awards: 2011 Edition
Last year I said 2010 was a better year for music than 2009 was. I went on to wonder how 2011 could even begin to top it. Well, guess what… 2011 did indeed top 2010! I’m looking back at my Top 25 list for 2010 and while those albums are all still good, this year’s Top 25 list is much stronger top to bottom.
2011 was a great year that saw classic rock/metal acts like Whitesnake, Warrant, Riot, Alice Cooper, Journey, Black N’ Blue and King Kobra deliver some of the best albums of their career while younger acts like Steel Panther, Reckless Love, Savage Messiah, Evile (who missed the list by this much) and Black Veil Brides have shown that they are more than capable of carrying rock & metal into the future.
Top 25 Albums of 2011
1. Whitesnake – Forevermore
2. Sixx:A.M. – This Is Gonna Hurt
3. Riot – Immortal Soul
4. Warrant – Rockaholic
5. Alice Cooper – Welcome 2 My Nightmare
6. Steel Panther – Balls Out
7. Megadeth – Thirteen
8. Anthrax – Worship Music
9. Sebastian Bach – Kicking & Screaming
10. Reckless Love – Animal Attraction
11. Edguy – Age of the Joker
12. Hurtsmile – s/t
13. Journey – Eclipse
14. Chickenfoot – III
15. Mike Tramp & The Rock ‘N’ Roll Circuz – Stand Your Ground
16. Black Country Communion – 2
17. The Poodles – Performocracy
18. House of Lords – Big Money
19. King Kobra – s/t
20. Saliva – Under Your Skin
21. Foo Fighters – Wasting Light
22. Black N’ Blue – Hell Yeah!
22. Savage Messiah – Plague of Conscience
24. George Lynch – Kill All Control
25. Joe Bonamassa – Dust Bowl
Best E.P./Single
In light of a few non-album singles being released this year, I’ve decided to make this a hybrid category.
1. Sixx:A.M. – 7
2. Black Veil Brides – Rebels
3. Who Cares – Out of My Mind / Holy Water
4. Wildstreet – II …Faster …Louder!
5. The Last Vegas – The Other Side E.P.
Best Compilation/Cover/Live/Reissue Albums
Kind of a catch-all category this year. Instead of listing each category individually, I decided to lump them all into one list and rank them that way.
1. Black Sabbath – Born Again [Deluxe Edition]
2. Stryper – The Covering
3. Vains of Jenna – Reverse Tripped
4. Whitesnake – Live at Donington 1990
5. Slash featuring Myles Kennedy – Live: Made In Stoke 24/7/11
6. Hell – Human Remains
7. Scorpions – Comeblack
8. Def Leppard – Mirrorball: Live & More
9. Eric Carr – Unfinished Business
10. Black Sabbath – Dehumanizer [Deluxe Edition]
Want to read more about the year in music? Check out some of the fine sites & blogs listed below! And be sure to keep checking back for more Year-End posts here at Metal Excess!
All Metal Resource — http://allmetalresource.com/
Bring Back Glam — http://bringbackglam.squarespace.com/
The Crash Pad of Ray Van Horn, Jr. – http://www.rayvanhornjr2.blogspot.com/
Hair Metal Mansion — http://hairbangersradio.ning.com/
Hard Rock Hideout — http://hardrockhideout.com/
Hard Rock Nights — http://hardrocknights.com
Heavy Metal Addiction — http://heavymetaladdiction.com/
Heavy Metal Time Machine — http://metalmark.blogspot.com/
Imagine Echoes — http://www.imagineechoes.com/
Layla’s Classic Rock — http://laylasclassicrock.blogspot.com/
Metal Odyssey — http://metalodyssey.wordpress.com/
The Ripple Effect — http://www.ripplemusic.blogspot.com/
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Juliet’s Vice – d.g.a.f.
Juliet’s Vice – d.g.a.f. (2011, self-released)
1. “Never Gonna Change” … 4:04
2. “So High, So Low” … 3:54
3. “Subliminal Seduction” … 3:26
4. “Lost Little Angel” … 3:24
5. “Good 4 Nothin’” … 5:11
6. “Concrete Jungle” … 2:45
7. “d.g.a.f.” … 3:28
8. “Live Like There’s No Tomorrow” … 3:54
Band:
Dan Parsels – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Damian Monte Carlo – Guitar, Lead Vocals, Backing Vocals
Joe Mal – Bass, Backing Vocals
Nicolino Maiellano – Drums, Backing Vocals
Producer: Juliet’s Vice
Formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2008, Juliet’s Vice are a sleaze rock act that owes much to the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Ratt, L.A. Guns, early KISS and the New York Dolls. And when I say sleaze, I don’t mean sleaze like all of those modern European sleaze bands. Nothing wrong with those groups at all (I’m a big fan of quite a number of them) but Juliet’s Vice has a down-to-Earth, “see ya at the bar” American street-smart vibe that doesn’t go in for all that hairspray, spandex and make-up.
Certainly the production isn’t glossy and smoothed over like how so many of the European glam/sleaze albums. It’s refreshing to hear the guitars buzzing and drums crashing all about and this adds to the band’s down ‘n’ dirty style.
Speaking of down ‘n’ dirty, listening to “Concrete Jungle”, the Guns N’ Roses influence is readily apparent. Intentional or not, it reminds me of “Think About You”. The rest of the album is trashy and sleazy with a bit of punk flair. d.g.a.f. is an enjoyable, raw and tough rock ‘n’ roll ride and the title track ( (if you’re not sure what d.g.a.f. stands for, the band will clear things up for you in that song) perfectly sums up the attitude of the band.
Not sure how this compares to 2008′s Decadence and Romance (because I haven’t heard it!), but d.g.a.f. is a good sleazy listen and I’m sure the band continue to grow and get even better.
Highlights: ”Never Gonna Change”, “So High, So Low”, “Lost Little Angel”, “Good 4 Nothin’”, “d.g.a.f.”
www.facebook.com/julietsvice
www.reverbnation.com/julietsvice
www.myspace.com/julietsvice
Vamp Le Stat – Bloodline
Vamp Le Stat – Bloodline [Limited Edition] (2010, XXX Records America)
Original Release: 1993
1. “Madame Blue”
2. “Swing Child”
3. “Bitch”
4. “She’s Not In Love Anymore”
5. “Guns 4 Hire”
6. “Chain Around My Heart”
7. “Madame Blue” [Studio reference mix]
8. “Swing Child” [Studio reference mix]
9. “She’s Not In Love Anymore” [Studio reference mix]
10. “Guns 4 Hire” [Studio reference mix]
11. “Chain Around My Heart” [Studio reference mix]
Band:
Jimmy Tuttle – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Jeff Jones – Guitar, Backing Vocals
Brian Boozer – Bass, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Bret Blackburn – Drums
Producer: Jeff Jones
Vamp Le Stat is a L.A. glam band that got their start in the early ’90s. In 1992, Jeff Jones (you can read my review of his RockHard ’86-’96 compilation here) joined the band and that is when they recorded and released the extremely limited pressing of 2,000 copies for Bloodline. According to XXX’s website, the full title of this album is Bloodline: Rites of Passage but I don’t see the subtitle anywhere on the CD or the packaging. Apparently, there is a loose concept to this album as it deals with a vampire stripper named Suzie. The story continued in 1994′s Bloodline 2: Thrill Of the Kill which I have not heard yet and was just finally released to the public in 2010.
Although Jimmy Tuttle is not the best vocalist his voice suits the sound of the band. Speaking of that sound, I don’t want anyone thinking they are a slick glam act like Poison or anything. There’s a bit more street cred to their sound. Vamp Le Stat comes across as a really solid rock band you might expect to hear playing in a bar or strip club. It’s a trashy bluesy glam sound, something a bit more raw than the popular commercial glam acts of the day and the only band that comes to mind for comparison is Babylon A.D.
All of the studio mixes are bonus tracks and were not a part of the original issue. I don’t have the best trained ear when it comes to telling the difference between certain mixes and with remastered albums There are some differences I’ve been able to pick up and have found myself enjoying the studio mix of “Swing Child” better than the original version. Still, it’s always nice to have some additional tracks whenever possible.
Cutting the album down to its core, there are six songs here. 5 of which stick out in their own way (“Guns 4 Hire” is a fast paced rocker but doesn’t really work for me). “Madame Blue” starts off with a bit of atmosphere and keyboards setting up the album’s concept before the guitars kick in and set forth with a trashed up bar band stomp. “Swing Child” is another good bar room rocker. “Bitch” is the song with the most groove and how can you not want to sing along to “baby, you’re a biiiiiiiiitch”? Next up is the ballad “She’s Not In Love Anymore”. It’s a good ballad but this is where Tuttle seems to suffer a bit on the vocals. I just don’t think ballads are his strong suit, he’s better off singing trashy rockers. “Guns 4 Hire” features some impressive guitar work from Jeff Jones but as a song it’s just kinda there. “Chain Around My Heart” closes out the original album is again starts off with some atmospheric keyboard work and transitions well into a dirty rocker.
Hardcore glam fans will dig checking out this obscure release.
Highlights: “Madame Blue”, “Bitch”, “She’s Not In Love Anymore”, “Chain Around My Heart”, “Swing Child” [studio reference mix]
www.xxxrecords.com
www.facebook.com/pages/XXX-Records-America/195247653847340
