Album Reviews - N

New England - New England (1979 Infinity Records)
NewEnglandRocks.com

1. Hello, Hello, Hello mp3 clip
2. Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya mp3 clip
3. P.U.N.K. (Puny Undernourished Kid)
4. Shall I Run Away
5. Alone Tonight
6. Nothing To Fear
7. Shoot mp3 clip
8. Turn Out The Light
9. The Last Show mp3 clip
10. Encore

Mike's Review
New England had the privilege of having their debut album produced by the legendary Paul Stanley of KISS. And it's amazing what four talented guys and a brilliant producer can accomplish. The songs are grandiose and the sound is large. Off the top of my head, I would make a comparison along the lines of the band Angel. "Hello, Hello, Hello" begins very royally and goes into the chorus. The backing vocals are very lush and the keyboards add a rich atmosphere. A crunchy guitar riff by itself opens "Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya" before becoming another synth-laden track. This one is probably New England's most well-known. The guitar solo is adventurous, and the backing vocals are a vital element. "P.U.N.K. (Puny Undernourished Kid)" brings this album into hard rock territory, but brings the keyboards and gloss along with it. In contrast to this song, "Shall I Run Away" really slows things down. This acoustic guitar-driven journey features an awesome wail at the end by vocalist (and guitarist) John Fannon. "Alone Tonight" and "Nothing To Fear" are excellent upbeat numbers similar to the first two and really reveal New England's signature sound. "Shoot" is probably this album's hardest rocker and tastefully employs some blistering guitar work. "Turn Out The Light" features soft piano during the verses and a really cool chorus with repeating vocal parts. "The Last Show" is about how things change after becoming famous. The song is a moving up-tempo tune sandwiched between gentle opening and closing parts. The rapid "Encore" really lives up to its name, because "The Last Show" would have made an excellent conclusion, but "Encore" just finishes that one final thought.

New England is a very impressive debut release from four guys with a lot to show for themselves. After all, KISS master Paul Stanley wouldn't just produce anyone. Fans of polished rock music with complex arrangements are encouraged to check this one out.

Mike's Picks: Hello, Hello, Hello, Don't Ever Wanna Lose Ya, Shoot, Turn Out The Light, The Last Show

Mike's Rating

Nitro - H.W.D.W.S. (1991 Rampage Records)
Angelo.com

1. I Want U
2. Cat Scratch Fever
3. Crazy Love
4. Hot, Wet, Drippin' With Sweat
5. Boyz Will B Boyz
6. Turnin' Me On
7. Don't Go
8. Makin' Love
9. Take Me
10. Johnny Died On Christmas
11. Hey Mike (Guitar Solo)

Derek's Review
Oh boy, and this isn't even their craziest release. Nitro took glam metal to a new extreme, perhaps the extreme. I can't think of anyone more extreme in the glam rock genre. People, if you think Poison looked glammed, up you ain't seen nothin' yet. H.W.D.W.S (Hot, Wet, Drippin' With Sweat) starts off with "I Want U," which showcases Jim Gillette's crazy, high-octive vocals and the always insane Michael Angelo guitar solos. The next song is a cover of the Motor City Madman's classic "Cat Scratch Fever." They do a pretty faithful rendition with Jim's crazy vocals. Johnny Thunder does a nice job on the drums, attempting to possibly keep up with the frantic pace set by Angelo. "Crazy Love" starts off an infectious verse and then goes into what would be considered a ballad. Everything about this album is crazy. On "Hot, Wet, Drippin' With Sweat," Gillette is hitting notes off the scales. It's absolutely insane, and Angelo just keeps on shredding with no thought of decency as our ear drums ring with his high-pitched playing. "Johnny Died On Christmas" is hilarious simply because of the seriousness of the chorus. You know, I think I'm just going to stop right here, because you can't describe how Nitro sounds. My best shot is Justin Hawkins (The Darkness lead singer) with his balls in a vice backed by the Vinnie Vincent Invasion on speed. If you haven't heard them yet, you really should do yourself a favor if you have the chance. Their stuff is very hard to find, but if you dig glam, it's a must. They have a cult following, much like the Vinnie Vincent Invasion. Try and track down both of their albums.

Ultimately, this album is about having a good time. This album can't even compare to their first release O.F.R, and we'll be able to review that shortly for you.

Derek's Picks: Hot, Wet, Drippin' With Sweat, Turnin' Me On, Crazy Love

Derek's Rating

Nitro possibly took glam to the furthest it is possible to go. I can't think of a more glam band and doubt there will ever be one in the future.