Interesting release on MTM Classix with Finnish vocalist Annica Viclund and her album that originally came out in the late 80’s. Obviously it’s got that classic 80’s hard rock sound with the guitars high in the mix and Annica’s vocals are similar to Canadian vocalist Lee Aaron and Heart’s Ann Wilson. In fact ‘Badly’ could easily have come off Heart’s ‘Bad Animal’ album. Some cracking guitar on ‘So Devine’ and ‘What’s Your Game’, which features some nifty keyboard runs as well. ‘Into Dark’ features a plaintive vocal backed solely by piano - a fine way to end the original album.

But this being a re-release you get five bonus tracks from Annica’s later band Pink Flamingo (which has to said is not a cool rock band name!). These tracks have less keys and even more guitar riffage like ‘I’m Ready’ and the Bon Jovi styled ‘Fine Polca’.

If, like me, you missed out on this first time around make sure you get a copy this time. Pretty damn essential for fans of female fronted melodic hard rock.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Label website