PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
X-Drive released their début album Get Your Rock On via Frontiers Records on 25th August 2014. Based in Los Angeles X-Drive is the brain child of Jeremy Brunner, who although relatively unknown is joined by some big names. James LoMenzo from White Lion on bass, Fred Fischer from Midline on Drums and on vocals Keith St. John from Burning Rain. The album was produced by Brunner and the late Andy Johns, who has worked with Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones, and was finished not long before his sudden death in April 2013.
On first listen I thought this was in a similar vein to Ready an’ Willing era Whitesnake with lots of ballads and powerful riffs. On second listen I picked up more flavours. The title track Get Your Rock On being reminiscent of Bryan Adams’ The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You. Steppin’ On The Rock starts very Sweet Dreams Marilyn Manson style then blends harmoniously into something more akin to Is This Love by the afore mentioned Whitesnake. California similar to another great American state, in sound anyway, as I was reminded of Sweet Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynryd. Beyond the Angels a great power ballad Thunder meets The Scorpions style, say Love Walked In meets Wind of Change. The very seductive Rattlesnake Eyes with it’s screaming riffs reminded me of Burning Rain’s Too Hard To Break. Love Breaks The Fool a bit Quiet Riot meets Whitesnake say Love’s a Bitch meets Love Ain’t No Stranger/Fool For You Loving.
An album with essences of all the great power metal hair bands of the eighties. Packed with riffs and ballads which will appeal to fans of Whitesnake, Thunder and, although I haven’t mentioned specific songs in the review, bands such as Firehouse, Slaughter and Warrant.
Highlight tracks for me would have to be the title track Get Your Rock On and Rattlesnake Eyes.
Produced by Andy Johns and Jeremy Brunner
Mixed by Wyn Davis
Track List:
1. Love’s A Bitch
2. Get Your Rock On
3. Steppin’ On The Rock
4. Baby Bye Bye
5. California
6. Lay Me Down
7. Turn The Noize Down
8. Beyond The Angels
9. Rattlesnake Eyes
10. Just Can’t Stay
11. Change Of Heart
12. Love Breaks The Fool
Band Members:
Keith St. John – Vocals
James LoMenzo – Bass
Jeremy Brunner – Guitar
Fred Fischer – Drums
- £11.12
