L.A. Guns - Renegades
Release Date – 13 November 2020
Review by Nick
So, if there ever was any confusion when there are two different bands with the same name, then the L.A. Guns have got it down to a tee. Before I even began to write anything down, I had to check which band was playing on this album, and it is indeed ex W.A.S.P. drummer Steve Riley’s version of the band who was also a member of the Guns back in its fine glory years. You know what? I don’t mind at all because this album is good and enjoyable. And if you are anything like me that doesn’t know much about the who’s who in the band, then it won't matter to you either.
The album kicks off in true rocker style with Crawl, I love the middle bass line in this played by other classic line up member Kelly Nickels. The song has a fine Velvet Revolver vibe to it which wouldn’t sound out of place on one of their albums at all. The lyrics are easy to pick up and they grab the listener instantly on the first line. Keeping with the Velvet Revolver vibes on track 2 Why? Ask Why? This song is a real head banger and completes the one, two knockout punch which I always say an album needs. It has a fine guitar solo, very memorable and compliments the song within a song touch; the vocals of Kurt Frohlich are also unique in style and easy on the ear.
Well Oiled Machine is a true party anthem, one that will instantly take you back to Sunset Strip circa 1986. From the moment you hear the truck kick in the intro you can smell the diesel, looks of riffs and hooks from both guitarists in the band and the lyrics are catchy and have a sing along feel to them, your typical song about the protagonist talking about how awesome his lady is and nobody tells a tale better than the guys from this era.
The next song on the album Lost Boys, shows the bands more serious, storytelling side. Excellent lyrics with scorching gang vocals and tight musicianship from the entire band. Kurt really sings up a storm on this also and you really feel like he is narrating the tale. A fascinating melodic song that will keep you interested throughout.
The first ballad on the album is You Can’t Walk Away, a beautiful bluesy ballad about a man who is losing his lover and the song shows that he is trying hard to convince her to stay. The acoustic guitar is prominent throughout and really helps to give the track a sombre feel to it, which I feel is important in many love songs. The backing vocals are a glorious harmonic treat and the guitar solo is full of emotion.
The guys step up a gear on the next track with grungy rocker Witchcraft. A wake-up call after the lovely slow ballad and it packs a punch to boot, with a hard-hitting chorus and crunching guitar riffs, the song lives up to its name and gives the listener a slice of hard rocking witchcraft. This track really shows that Riley’s version of the band is here to stay. All That You Are continues the metallic grungy feel, another breath-taking rocker with understandable lyrics which will encourage the listener to sing along to and get their fists pumping in the air with delight.
The game changer on the album for me and the track that really sealed the deal and made me love this album is the acoustic ballad Would. This is easily my favourite song on the album and just one of those tracks where you can close your eyes and be taken to another world. I enjoy the little Spanish guitar fill towards the end of the song. It’s also a song that wouldn’t sound out of place for any busker to play in the street or on YouTube, a pretty song which you can take it all in and relax for a while.
The lushness stops there though when we go into another punchy rocker with the title track. The last three songs on the album are easily the best and this number easily has a punk vibe throughout. It reminds me of a Billy Idol song in many places and has melodies not unlike The Cult. I think this would be the perfect opening track for their live set list with its blistering middle section and memorable chorus that grabs you right from the off.
The final track on the album Don’t Wanna Know has a definite 70s Aerosmith influence with its chugging train like structure and solid drums from Steve Riley. It’s modern Rock N Roll at its finest and will get your foot tapping all the way through, leaving you wanting more.
For a debut from this version of the L.A. Guns, the band have really impressed me, and I feel this is the line-up I would go for if I had a choice. They sound fresh for 2020 and not dated at all. Like all good albums it never lets the listener get bored and more importantly has a very strong finish, which leaves you wondering why the album has finished so soon. Hopefully, we will get to hear more from the guys whatever their name; I can’t wait for the next album.
Album Rating: 4.5/5