Re-Release on Lion Music in 2002
THE BAND:
Alex Masi – electric and acoustic guitars
David Felolt – lead and backing vocals
Johnathan McKeighan – drums
Claus Wildt – bass
TRACK FRAGMENTS:
1.) “God Promised a Paradise” –Even after fourteen years the main guitar
riff for this track still amazes me. And if you ever get the chance to catch
the video for the song be sure to check out the way Alex is playing the
pattern. The track kicks of with a very heavy sounding riff before going into a
scale type pattern. Vocally the singer has a real heavy vocal sound, which just
adds to the dynamics of the song. At the time I remember thinking to myself it
is about time someone writes a song about the homeless situation here in
America. After the vocal lines of the verses and choruses Alex hits a little
vibrato pattern that just melts your skin. After the second chorus Alex kicks
in the solo, which is a very typical solo for that time period.
2.) “Thunder and Lighting” – This track opens with a huge metal blues pattern.
During the intro there is one small lead scale. The bass line for this track
has an excellent sound to it. The lyrical arrangement is very simple. On thing
I did pick up was that on the re-mastered version you could hear the vocal echo
through the verse. The solo has a very twin guitar overdub sound to it.
3.) “Movin’ On” – The intro to this track is more drum based. Through the verse
Alex incorporates several small lead scales. The guitar arrangement through the
chorus has a very Eddie Van Halen sound to them. The solo is very intense had
suits the song well. After the solo there is a small bridge that has a huge
bass line.
4.) “Undercover (Rock and Roll Lover) –From the title of this track you
can already hear the huge live sounding hook. The intro has a very classic
metal arrangement. The music is pulled way back during the verses. The
pre-chorus is just pure magic. During the bridge you can hear a small fill in
keyboard section. There is a couple real cool bass line sections within the
arrangement itself.
5.) “Hangin’ On” –This track opens with an acoustic guitar pattern. At first
the song sounds like it will be a pretty standard ballad, until Alex really ups
the ante with a huge lead scale. The chorus has a real cool harmonizing
section.
6.) “Foggy Day in Hollywood” –Instrumental
7.) “Hellraiser” –This track opens with a blistering guitar pattern. The guitar
pattern really shows Alex’s speed and playing ability. The solo is completely
amazing!! The overdub sound effect really blew me away.
8.) “State of Rock” –This track opens with a pretty standard metal intro and
lead scale. Through the verse the drummer plays a pattern on the tom-toms. The
lyrical arrangements reminded me a lot of Y&T in a lot of ways. The solo is
very laid back by Masi’s standards. There is a huge Y&T type break down
section.
9.) “Eye of the Hurricane” –This track opens with an Alex Masi overdub.
Musically through the verse the song is pretty standard. After the chorus Alex
plays a couple lead scale rhythms. During the second pre-chorus the band changes
sound just a little to keep the song fresh.
10.) “I hear you Callin’” –There are a couple real cool drum fills on this
intro. The guitar arrangement has a real stinking groove to it. During the
rhythm Alex jumps from rhythm to lead scales throughout the entire song. One
thing that really stood out was there are a lot more guitar overdubs on this
one. The solo is very laid back and really grooves.
Compared to “God Promised a Paradise” the rest of the CD sounds like B-sides.
But that one song makes this CD worth having and everyone should own a copy of
this one.