Stephen
'Lock N Load' is a parade of songs that what most mid-80s bands were offering on the Sunset Strip days, a crazy high-pitch wail, aggressive guitars and rhythm, and of course a slab of sleazy attitude. MOTLEY CRUE and GUNS N ROSES might be the closest comparison to this band, especially on the guitar parts, and singer Jonny Sparks pretty much reminds me of Davy Vain and a little bit of Vince Neil.
After the crashing sound of siren in 'No Turning Back', they pumped up the adrenaline with the energetic 'Sin City'. This track is an instant fave of mine, and 'Breakin' The Rules' maintains the intensity nicely. 'Love/Hate' plays with Mick Mars style riffage, making this track like a lost gem from MOTLEY CRUE archives. 'Hey Baby' is an excellent acoustical power ballad and if this was aired in 1989, I bet this will receive many requests on the radios.
I'm not a big fan of 'Gonna Love You Anyway' and 'Striptease'. I think those tracks are quite average but even though not a show-stealer, that along with tracks like 'Queen of Hearts' or 'Mr.Lonely' are still pretty good. 'Lock N Load' is a monster track, I admire the riffs and can't stop banging my head to this track. 'Can't Fight Your Love' up the game even higher, I can safely say this is the best track on the second half, and 'Too Much Is Never Enough' makes a very nice closer too.
All in all, I'm pretty impressed with this album, especially on the solo and rhythm guitars. The production is good, considering this one’s an independent release. If you like the heavier and naughtier side of sleaze metal, this Birmingham chaps might surprise you. Lookin’ forward to album number two!