A band I have read much about but it’s very hard to track down the band’s CD’s here in the UK, so this career ‘Best Of’ of the band’s first ten years is a useful place to start.

The band are built around former Blue Oyster Cult drummer Albert Bouchard and his partner Deborah Frost (who bizarrely sounds like a female Eric Bloom at times!). Certain songs feature the talents of guitarist Ross the Boss (ex-Manowar/Dictators) and fellow ex-BOC member Joe Bouchard.

In fact the BOC connection goes even further as two BOC classics get a reworking on here – a very guitar laden (nice playing by Ross the Boss) ‘Cities On Flame With Rock’ N’ Roll’ and ‘The Revenge Of Vera Gemini’. Another old track getting a reworking is ‘Operation Luv’ that first appeared on the excellent but underrated Deadringer album (that featured Joe Bouchard amongst others) and I still prefer the original - more rock in that one.

‘Krakatoa’ is very 70’s-era BOC with its laid back vibe, whilst the rock ’n’ roll of ‘Victory Boulevard’ is a great listen.

Not a bad compilation with some good moments and certainly if you’re a BOC fan worth getting. Otherwise try a few tracks first as it is a mixed bag.

***

Review by Jason Ritchie

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly