SEBASTIAN BACH - review added 21st September 2011
Album Review: Kicking & Screaming (2011)
For fans of: Metal
Fact. Sebastian Bach is a legend. Okay, I've not taken a massive amount of notice what he's done since leaving Skid Row (I remember him on the last G'N'R album) but some of that Skid Row output was so massive any amount of time passed doesn't lessen the impact. This guy had pipes that were as good-a-proof as any of intelligent design.
His first solo album "Angel Down" was released in 2007. "Kicking & Screaming" is the follow-up and see's Sebastian grouping together a variety of styles that reference his famed SR work as well as a more modern vibe. The result is a hard hitting album with fantastic sounding instruments, plenty of big hooks and catchy rhythms, and vocals that are a lot better than you might expect...if not quite as good as they once were.
Best moments include the title track which could have been pulled off "Slave To The Grind", the super-modern 'My Own Worst Enemy', the heavy 'n' catchy 'Dance On Your Grave', the Beatles-esque 'I'm Alive', the achingly good 'Dream Forever', the mellow 'Lost In The Light', and the surprisingly classic-rocking final track, 'Wishin''.
In Summation:
Think of "Kicking & Screaming" as a cohesive album and it could be argued it doesn't work that well. Think of it as a collection of unrelated excellent songs and it makes perfect sense. Good to see Mr. Golden Voice still on fine form. Fine form indeed.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. Kicking & Screaming
02. My Own Worst Enemy
03. Tunnelvision
04. Dance On Your Grave
05. Caught In A Dream
06. As Long As I Got The Music
07. I'm Alive
08. Dirty Power
09. Live The Life
10. Dream Forever
11. One Good Reason
12. Lost In The Light
13. Wishin'
Band/Performers:
Sebastian Bach: All Vocals / Cowbell
Nick Sterling: Electric Guitar / Acoustic Guitar / Baritone Guitar / Bass
Bobby Jarzombek: Drums
John 5: Guitars on "TunnelVision"
Other Info:
Produced by Bob Marlette
Cover by Richard Villa
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Sebastian Bach | MySpace | Facebook
