by Dan Skiba
— Staff Writer —
Enuff Z’Nuff may have arrived a tad late to the Hair Metal party back in the ‘80s, but they’re one of the few bands from that era left standing when it comes to recording new material. There may not be as much partying, tongue-in-cheek humor, or craziness in the band’s songwriting in 2020 compared to 1989, but Chip Z’Nuff and company show they still have something to say within the grooves of Brainwashed Generation.
In 2013, co-founding member Donnie Vie left the band, meaning that Chip has had the added duty of stepping up to the microphone, and all things considered he’s done a fine job throughout this album. Musically, the focus here seems to be to stay within the structure and rhythm of each song without complicating matters with unnecessary sounds or shifts. This understated musical approach works well in many of the songs since topically the messages tend to be reflective and feel like they are each slowly exhaling a deep breath.
There are nine full-length tracks on Brainwashed Generation, and basically 4 of them can be considered Hair Metal, while the others are subdued enough to qualify as Melodic Rock. This album feels like it was made for Hair Metal fans from the ‘80s and early ‘90s who did it “all” and somehow survived until 2020 despite themselves … but not without some remorse or penetrable wounds and scars. Brainwashed Generation isn’t going to compel you or the younger generation of Hair Metal fans to buy spandex pants and gaudy make-up before heading to a wild night on the town, rather it’ll serve better if played to unwind and relax and to fill the role as the nightcap to the weekly grind.
All in all, the songs all benefit from trademark Enuff Z’Nuff catchy melodies and listenability. As alluded to above, the downside is there is more than enough downside (if not depressing) lyrical themes, which tend to suffocate the other positive attributes. Chip and company can still catch your ear and get in your head, but unless you often need help relaxing at night, the repetitive playability of this album is in question. Regardless of that, in and of itself Brainwashed Generation is a solid effort by a band that simply loves staying relevant and in circulation.
Genres: Hair Metal, Melodic Rock
Band:
Chip Z’nuff – Vocals and Bass
Tory Stoffregen – Guitar
Alex Kane – Guitar
Dan Hill – Drums
Tracklisting:
1. The Gospel
2. Fatal Distraction
3. I Got My Money Where My Mouth Is
4. Help
5. It’s All In Vain
6. Strangers In My Head
7. Drugland Weekend
8. Broken Love
9. Go …
10. Winding Road
Label:
Frontiers Records
Website:
https://www.enuffznuff.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(7 / 10)
EzN are not a hair metal band