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Hair Of The Dog just might be the best hard
rock band you've never heard of. Ever since I saw these
guys open for Ratt a couple years back, I've been a huge
fan. Their self-titled debut CD kicked major ass, and a
couple of songs ("Cadillac Jack," "Whiskey
Tango") even got some radio play - no easy task for
an Indie release. Now these guys are back with their second
release, Rise, this time on Spitfire Records. It's
good to see a talented band getting some support for once!
From the infectious title track that opens
the album to the killer cover of KISS' "I" that
ends it, Rise delivers more of the straight-ahead
Southern-tinged Rock N' Roll that the band is known for.
Though I personally think the songs are stronger overall
on their first CD, Rise is by no means a disappointment.
If you miss songs about drinkin', gettin' into trouble,
and er, well..."hooters," then you will dig Hair
Of The Dog. These guys obviously didn't get the memo saying
that rock music is supposed to be depressing now. They continue
in the tradition of KISS, Aerosmith, Van Halen, Motley Crue,
and others by playing...gasp!...FEEL-GOOD ROCK with actual
singing! No, not depressing shit with some wanna-be trying
to rap all over it. ROCK N' F***ING ROLL, baby!
Highlights of Rise include the driving
title track, "Rise"; "You Are The One,"
a rock love anthem which showcases vocalist Ryan Cook's
versatility; the catchy, Southern-Rock influenced "Twice";
"The Almighty Strut," featuring some soulful leads
by guitarist John Sepetys; "Hammered," which is
one of the heavier tracks and demonstrates the skills of
Mike Dupke on the drums and Brian "Boot" Saputo
on the bass; and the hilarious "Mokur Jahoobees"
which is about certain female "assets." (I told
you this was good-time Rock N' Roll, didn't I?)
The only negatives I can point to are that
there aren't enough rippin' guitar solos for my taste, although
the guitar work is excellent otherwise, and that in general,
the songs on Rise aren't as strong as the songs on
HOTD's first album. Still, I'd recommend both CD's for any
80's rock or metal fan who feels starved for good, pure
rock tunes these days.
Oh, and the only thing that can top listening
to these guys on CD is seeing them live. So, if they're
in your neck of the woods don't, I repeat, DON'T miss the
party!
Reviewed by Shredfest
You can hear "Rise" and "Mokur
Jahoobees" on ShredRadio,
our Internet broadcast.
Support
real Rock N' Roll! Order Hair Of The Dog's Rise from
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