by Justin Gaines
– Sr. Columnist —
These days, if you want some old school, super-melodic party rock like they used to make in the late ‘80s, you turn to the Scandinavian countries, and bands like Hardcore Superstar, Crashdiet, Reckless Love and Crazy Lixx. People tend to forget that there are still some really good American bands making that kind of Rock n’ Roll. One of the best of these American rockers is The Last Vegas. The Chicago-based band has been kicking for more than a decade and has several rock-solid albums under their belts. The band’s latest, titled Eat Me, is its seventh full-length release, and its first on the AFM label.
The Last Vegas enlisted Chris Laney to mix the album, with Classe Persson mastering, so Eat Me has a bit more of that Scandinavian polish to go with their good old fashioned Hard Rock sound. The band’s sound comes from the usual suspects: AC/DC, Motley Crue, L.A. Guns, Tesla and the like. It’s brash, sleazy, and so much fun. It’s the kind of album that will make you angry at the mopey so-called rock that mainstream radio seems determined to force feed us.
Eat Me has eleven tracks and zero duds. Leadoff rocker “Bloodthirsty” is a super-catchy, hard-hitting way to get the party started, and “Along for the Ride” and “Anything It Takes” have a similar punch. “Hard to Get Over (You’re So) has a great rowdy rock vibe, and “Love’s Got Nothing On Me” works really well as the album’s slower, more soulful moment.
Eat Me is one of those albums that just about any Rock n’ Roll fan ought to get something out of. If you’re still spinning those ‘80s Motley Crue and Poison albums on a regular basis, you’re going to love this. And if you’re into the Swedish sleaze rock sound, you’ll love it too. The Last Vegas has never disappointed, but with Eat Me, they have the formula that will hopefully bring their music to the wider audience it deserves.
Genre: Hard Rock, Sleaze Rock
Lineup:
Chad Cherry (v)
Adam Arling (g)
Nathan Arling (d)
Danny Smash (b)
Bryan Wilkinson (g)
Track Listing:
1. Bloodthirsty
2. Here We Go Again
3. Universe & You
4. Hot Fudge
5. Along For the Ride
6. Voodoo Woman
7. Love’s Got Nothing On Me
8. Hard to Get Over (You’re So)
9. To Be Treated
10. Anything It Takes
11. From Hell
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.thelastvegas.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.25/10
