SHOTGUN ALLEY — Shotgun Alley (review)

SHOTGUN ALLEY — Shotgun Alley album cover Album · 2011 · Hard Rock Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
Stephen
Not often that I get to hear a hard rock band from New Zealand but I'm pretty surprised to found out that the quality they offered here is comparable to those who had went underground in Sunset Strip for probably more than 10 years. The musicianship is stunning and how they brought out the 80s feel within them and wrapped it with a contemporary blanket to prevent the outdated sound is a smart move.

But beware though, one could be disenchanted easily by the first four tracks. I think it's too average and unappealing and they should have mix the tracks sequence with big hits from the second half. 'Eventually', a superior ballad that looks like the first single from the band, started to pick up the momentum. This is the type of song that you get to hear on the radio everyday and it's a nicely done track. But 'Heart Like Glass', which has similar arrangement with the former, is slightly better in my opinion.

'Look At Me Now' is a huge uptempo tune with a sensational riffs and reminds me a lot to Crue's classic, 'Kickstart My Heart'. 'I Came Here To Love You', driven by keyboard, it blasted high with a superb melodic chorus. 'Suicide Boulevard', which was their original band name, is another hard rock gem with a stunning guitar solo. 'All We Know' and 'Can't Stop This' are excellent closer, both are very energetic and uplifting.

A little complain on the lyric department, sounds too superficial and needs a major upgrade, but since I always prioritize the music, that's not a big deal to me. Shame on at least 4 fillers, if only they can scrap them and write better tracks, this can be a massive surprise. Good debut though and interested to see more of this band in the future.
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