Even though this is from the previous year, I still wanted to pay attention to this release. And if you ask why you probably haven’t heard it yourself :). Yeah I know that the band endured some bashing in the past and were not taken seriously by a number of people, press and rock fans alike. But that has always puzzled me.
This band consists of top notch musicians only. Kip Winger on bass and vocals is a powerhouse, what a voice! And if you check his solo work you will find out he is so much more. Guitarists Reb Beach and John Roth are very much in demand and drummer Rod Morgenstein has quite the artistic pedigree as well. And they write damn catchy tunes that go way past the standard pop – rock song. These songs have depth, groove and besides the melodies a lot of excellent playing and soloing. So that makes for an album that impresses on first listening and still keeps getting better after you listen to it repeatedly. The variety on offer is great. From fast and furious in Rat Race, to heavy melodic in Midnight Driver Of A Love Machine, with some very tight playing in the details. Tin Soldier is quite progressive by nature and Ever Wonder is a beautiful song with chilling delivery.
To me this is up there with my personal favourites In The Heart Of The Young and Pull, awesome!
