Bai Bang Are You Ready
by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer
Even though Bai Bang’s reunion is buzzing through the scene and their Wacken gig is already booked, some cannot relate to the raving critics on the web. Cop to Con and Ridin’ High were excellently performed, solid productions and carefully arranged slick tunes. And that’s where it fringes; originality was farfetched.
Lucky enough Are You Ready bears a bit less reminiscence to their influences and features less rip offs. Cuz in all honesty; Ridin’ High was embarrassingly stolen together all over. Still very slick and melodic, the band maneuvers between their glam and sleaze roots and the vibrancy and class of ’80’s and ’90’s Scandinavian rock. You spot Skid Row, Mötley Crüe as easily as Treat (hear; “We Come Alive”). Recognizable nesting tunes with sticky melodies and huge choirs. Well performed, solid, and spontaneous.
“I Love the Things You Hate” is excellent and opens hard rocking with a sleazy grudge and temperament, as where the title track is leaning more towards Treat and bands like Casanova. Slick! “Only the Best Die Young” is another highlight. Powerful semi-ballad with powerful and large choirs and an ear mingling melody line. The three highlights summed up. Rest of the songs simply still don’t ignite. Well arranged, but just lacking originality and sparkle.
Are You Ready starts off great and then dulls along for a while before hitting you in the face again. Well performed, solidly arranged, but just not captivating enough. Craftmanship is at hand, but never manages to uplift the mediocrity of the songs.
Label: Metal Heaven
Line-up:
• Diddi Kastenholt – Vocals
• Pelle Eliaz – Lead Guitar
• Joacim Sandin – Bass
• Jonas Langebro – Drums
Tracklist
1. I Love The Things You Hate
2. Born To Rock
3. Party Queen
4. Are You Ready, I’m Ready
5. Only The Best Die Young
6. We Come Alive
7. Longtime Cumin’
8. Bad Boys
9. All The Little Things
10. Bigtime Party
Site: Official
HRH Rating: 6.8/10