IGNITE

If you turn on rock radio for more than ten minutes, you're going to hear a lot of processing, low, droning vocals, hip-hop beats, and DJ scratching; As is the flavor of modern rock in late 2001. HAIR OF THE DOG is a band that refuses to acknowledge that the appeal of straight-ahead tough guy, crunch rock is not what it was, say ten years ago.

Ignite is the band's thrid release on Spitfire Records, and while these guys might not sell millions of copies, they definitely showcase their diverse songwriting talents on their latest disc. The first track, "Alive" has a grungy ALICE IN CHAINS-esque feel, but quickly assumes the form of a crunchy power-chord riddled rock tune.

The first thing you notice after the first listen to their latest single off Ignite, "The Law", is that the members of HOTD grew up listening to, and learning how to play KISS songs. Listen to the main riff to "The Law" (which features Lemmy from MOTORHEAD on the chorus).. it sounds very close to "100,000 Years", which was recorded by KISS some 25 years ago. Now, that's not a dig at HOTD, because it's refreshing to know that at least one relatively young band isn't afraid to rock out, rather than cash out, and go for the hip-hop beats and sampling commonly associated with hard rock of 2001.

MIssing from Ignite is original guitarist John Sepetys, who left for medical reasons in 2000.

My one big criticism of Ignite is aimed at the lyrics. They sound like they were written by a sixteen year-old boy... Now, normally that would be alright considering the suspended adolecense status of most rockers. However, they sound like they were written by a sixteen year-old boy in 1988. Phrases like "I want you under me", "Baby can't you see", and "Whoa I need it", should be buried right next to every can of Aqua Net used by the members of DOKKEN in the 80s. They're cliche, they're stupid, and they probably took nine seconds to think up. C'mon guys, let's work a little bit harder here on the poetry. Actually, it looks like most of the songs were penned solely by vocalist Ryan Cook... So Ryan, I'm looking in your direction, man.

Ignite is a great disc to pick up if you'd like to hear some solid riffs, right musicianship, and some guitar solos (Yeah, believe it or not, there ARE guitar solos being recorded onto rock records in 2001). HAIR OF THE DOG might not grace the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine anytime soon, but they seem quite happy in the pages of oh...say, Metal Edge magazine, and holding the hard rock torch up high.

Buy IGNITE now!