Artist: The Black Halos Title: “Alive Without Control” Label: Liquor And Poker Records Release: June 28, 2005 Genre: Punk / Rock Rating: 9/10
The Black Halos, back in full force after a split in 2002 and better than ever, this band is every definition of a great rock band. The Halos formed in 1994 and have been putting out great records ever since. “Alive Without Control” is the third full length album for the band. The Black Halos is Billy Hopeless on vocals, Adam Becvare on guitars and vocals, Denyss McKnight on bass and vocals, Jay Millette on guitar, and Rob Zgaljic on drums. Denyss McKnight and Adam Becvare were the newest additions to the Halo family, bringing new blood to the group. On a side note Becvare was part of the reunited stint of the Lords of the New Church filling Stiv Bators’ big shoes. The MC5, the Stooges, New York Dolls and the Ramones are listed as influences, but they definitely have a uniqueness all their own. Continue reading “Alive Without Control” by The Black Halos→
Artist: Crash Kelly Title: Penny Pills Label: Liquor and Poker Release: January 25, 2005 Genre: Glam / Rock Rating: 8/10
When rock suddenly becomes more like background noise and not a life changing experience, along comes Crash Kelly to the rescue. A total return to a healthy mix of 70s glitter rock and classic arena rock with all the attitude, twin guitars, catchy lyrics and style – a rock record was born. Crash Kelly originally formed by Sean Kelly (ex – Robin Black) and co-founder Allister Thompson (ex. Sleepwalker’s Union), started their quest to make rock once again more than just music, but an experience in 2002. Besides Sean (lead guitar and vocals) and Allister (rhythm guitar and vocals), you also have Jordan Michael Stewart (bass and vocals) and Kevin Taylor (ex – Robin Black, drums and vocals). When brought together you have yourself a solid rock record from start to finish. Continue reading “Penny Pills” by Crash Kelly→
Artist: The Bones Title: Straight Flush Ghetto Label: Liquor and Poker Release: 9/7/2004 Genre: Rock / Rockabilly Revival Rating: 8/10
Ever have one of those records that just blows you away, makes you want to party and has so many different styles that it’s hard to describe which genre it really is? Well that’s what The Bones “Straight Flush Ghetto” brings to the table. A healthy dose of rock n’ roll, infused with a rockabilly – meets 50s style with punk attitude throughout. The band consists of Spooky (drums and backing vocals), Andi (bass and backing vox), Boner (lead guitars and lead vox), and Beef (lead vox and guitars). The Bones are from Karlskrona, Sweden and have been experiencing success for years in Europe through their previous releases. Only recently have they been introduced through the Liquor and Poker label to be widely available in America. Continue reading “Straight Flush Ghetto” by The Bones→
Artist: Hanoi Rocks Title: “Twelve Shots On The Rocks” (remastered/reissued) Label: Liquor And Poker Music Release Date: 1/27/2004 Genre: Rock & Roll Rating: 8/10
Bare bones Rock & Roll is what it seems to have always been about with Mike Monroe and the boys in Hanoi Rocks. Even after an almost 15 year absence from a released record, Mike and company have returned with a tasty little piece of music. Originally released in late 2003 this edition features a better production with bonus tracks. I was a fan of these guys way back in a limited sense as I owned a Live cassette who’s name and location has been lost in Apartments gone by. Yet this release brought me back to the energetic time of Eighties big hair Rock & Roll. I enjoyed that. The CD called “12 Shots On The Rocks” is brought to us by Liquor & Poker Music (a division of Century Media Records) and has a full 17 numbers to absorb. I feel this makes it a worthwhile purchase in this day where many artists are hardly including anything for the money. Overall I enjoyed this piece but clearly there were a few standout tracks. Among the ones that instantly caught my attention are “Obscured”, “NYC” and “Delirious”. Something about those just hit the nail on the head in terms of the music that Hanoi provided. Finland had Monroe as a star long before the likes of Nightwish and Ville Vallo (HIM). Sadly, the tragic loss of drummer Razzle in the 80’s seemed to put a hold marker on the band’s climb and no more than the cult following they had kept on supporting them. Mainstream was never really treated to a very talented band. Continue reading “Twelve Shots On The Rocks” (remastered/reissued) by Hanoi Rocks→
The Backyard Babies were rocking in the USA Brooklyn style and the performance was documented in a posting that you can read HERE. These photos by Skeleton Pete Parrella will allow you to be a part of the excitement from your computer desk.
Backyard Babies in Concert by Pete Parrella (2005)Backyard Babies in Concert by Pete Parrella (2005)
