TASTE
Oh thank god this little gem came around, because personally, I was loosing ALL hope in melodic rock.
After a dismal showing with their
Transistor CD a couple of years ago, which unsuccessfully tried to sound
modern while retaining some of the old 80's metal stylings, but just came across as flat and completely
un-inspired dreck, this EP simply shines on all levels. The opening track, 'Live Today' is an instant AOR/Hard Rock classic,
with a terrific hook, great vocal harmonies and all the energy of classic 'Tell No Tales' era TNT, complete with a
monster guitar break from the woefully under-rated Ronnie Le Tekro (one of Zakk Wylde's biggest influences).
Their are key standout moments throughout this EP (which if any indication, should promise TNT fans the full-length disc they've been longing for for years). 'Hey Love', a mid-tempo track with snakey chord voicings, and
a huge chorus, massive guitar solo (have you caught on that Le Tekro RULES?), and top notch vocals by New York native Tony Harnell (who possesses some of the strongest pipes around). 'Satellite' is a high energy rocker in the classic TNT style, while 'Give Me A Sign' has more of modern Matchbox 20/Vertical Horizon pop sheen.
Closing track 'Magic Little Nightmare' is fast, furious and well paced, with a very catchy hook-laden chorus and yet another stand out lead break by Le Tekro. As an added bonus, the band has added a classic 1987 demo track from the 'Knights of the New Thunder' CD (hey it was the 80's, so please forgive them for the name). If you really long for that classic arena hardrock sound, or need a bit of a history lesson, you can't beat this little gem.
