DANGER ZONE - review added 27th January 2011
Album Review: Line Of Fire (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and big red balls
Italian band Danger Zone - Roberto Priori on guitar, Giacomo Gigantelli on vocals, Paolo Palmieri on drums, and Robby Galli on bass - started back in the early 1980s. After several demos and line-up changes they released "Victim of Time" in 1984. "Line Of Fire" was the follow-up...but it never quite made it to market.
Finally released after being mothballed for 20 years+, the album marks a renewed interest in the band that sees them back together, apparently recording all-new material.
The sound is sleazy hard/heavy rock with a foot (unsurprisingly) stuck very firmly in the late 1980s. Given a modern production job, the sound quality isn't half bad, although it was never going to be as smooth and creamy as modern albums. Still, that character does add to the charm of the album.
Good:
This is a catchy, fun release with mostly excellent vocals (they vary between sensational and awful, but mostly tend towards the former), great musicianship - especially the guitars - and a definite vintage appeal. Had this made it out in the late 1980s or early 1990s, I'm not sure how it would have faired, but it's arguably better than some of the albums that did make it big. 'Fingers' features the utterly bonkers Grace Jones doing backing vocals, and that's always a good thing. The artwork is kind of cool too - very instantly recognizable.
Not So Good:
Even with the fine production work, "Line Of Fire" still sounds a bit dated for a modern release. Take it for what it is - a re-release of something that was, er, never released, and it makes more sense. I can't stand lyrics where the words 'fire' and 'desire' get rhymed in a very obvious fashion. The title track is VERY guilty.
The Songs:
The title track is exceeding catchy, save the annoying lyrics. 'Fingers' is a seriously cool, dirty sounding song. 'State Of The Heart' is bright and catchy with a pleasant sing along feel. Final track 'Love Dies Hard' works well. In fact it's probably the best of the lot.
In Summation:
This is a decent album that does indeed deserve a release, especially after all these years. It'll be interesting to see what, if anything, the guys can can up with on their return.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Check out... The final track.
Track List:
01. Line Of Fire
02. Children Of The Revolution (Cover - T-Rex)
03. Walk Away
04. Fingers
05. State Of The Heart
06. Hardline
07. The Hunger
08. Let Me Rock (Cover - Chequered Past)
09. That's Why I Fell In Love With You (Cover - Eddie Rabbitt)
10. Love Dies Hard
Label: Avenue Of Allies
Artist's website(s): Danger Zone | MySpace | Facebook
