HANOI ROCKS Twelve Shots On The Rocks
ARPRCD-002 (2003)
The original glam bad boys of rock 'n' roll are back with their first
album in nineteen years! Vocalist Michael Monroe and guitarist Andy McCoy
are still on board being joined here by guitarist Costello, bass player
Timpa and drummer Lacu. This album has already been a massive hit in the
band's native Finland back at the end of last year and the band that led
the way for Guns 'N' Roses and Backyard Babies to name but two look set
for an overdue revival.
The mix of songs is as you'd expect from the lively opener
'Obscured', the slide driven 'Gypsy Boots' and the slow building
ballad 'Designs On You' that almost enters country territory, I kid you
not! Plus Monroe lays down some sassy sax. The album is mainly chock full of
killer riff rockers and that's what you'd want from the band really. But
for me the ballads are an unheralded part of the band and 'In My Darkest
Moment' is a classic ballad - piano driven, heartfelt vocal, subdued
guitar solo and strings backing. You get three extra tracks as well (two
really as one is just an 18 second drum solo!), the best of which is the
Cheap Trick style 'Are You Lonely Tonight'.
Pretty damn essential for all glam rock/sleaze fans and a band that is
still on peak form, rather than treading water and trading on past glories
like some other 80's acts.
****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Related>> Album review (boxed set)
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