Album Review: Lipstick II

"Not everyone in Nashville listens

to country music."

-Me

Lipstick is a hard rock glam band from Nashville, TN. Fronted by the enigmatic Greg Troyan, the band delivers a classic sounding groove that will take you back to the days when real men wore tights and makeup...and Lipstick. Their shows are high energy, with quality entertainment, frequently joined by various characters, including a giant cool cat, wearing sunglasses. 

Greg Troyan

The band's second album, Lipstick II literally has something for everyone. It starts off with a Zeppelinesque intro, called On the Eve of the Attack which gets the ball rolling, and it goes into Fight Back. A tune that will bring back memories of the classic songs of another makeup wearing band, Kiss. The song, Stop is another one. The band has influences that are on display, but they definitely have their own sound. For example, Love of Some Kind has a Beatles ballad feel to it, while Stop Drop and Rock and Roll  has a 60's rock feel. Troyan has a powerful voice with a nasty sneer that fits perfectly with the classic vibe of the music. Guitarist, Casey Horn can hang with any guitarist of the era. Eric Penticoff plays guitar as well. All the songs are accompanied by blistering leads. 

Casey Horn

The bass and drums are played by equally talented musicians. Bassist, Steve Smith is as solid a bass player as anyone. He is accompanied by Greg Loyacano on drums. The band has several songs with rapid pauses in them, and this rhythm section keeps them tight, like the appropriately titled, and aforementioned Stop. But their power is on display on You Can't Stop the Rock. The song starts with a barrage of bass and drums.

Steve Smith

What impresses me the most about this band is not only their perfect tribute to the classic rock of the 70's and 80's, its the fact that these guys are all under 30. They have a serious grip on their style, and I think that even that 70 year old guy who is at every Skynyrd show, who swears by them would even enjoy Lipstick immensely. Sure, the band writes lyrics about millennial age problems, like Girl Dressed as Sailor Moon, a song about meeting your dream girl at a comic con, only to find out that she lives in another state, and the heartbreak associated with such events. But, the lyrics are funny. The music is good, the lyrics are funny, and it makes you feel good hearing it. I'm not even sure what a Rock and Roll Anime Girl is, but I dig the tune! And, I think my favorite tune on the album is Gotta Eat When You Can. That song will have you 'chomp chomp chomping' at the bit to raid the frige!

The band also pays homage to the sleazy rock of the 80's in Electric Pussycat. And, what 80's style album wouldn't be complete without an ode to teenage girls? Teenage Girlfriend is respectful to the young ladies. Although, the band seems to like their nerdy girls to be real and not a Fake Nerd Girl. 

Mr Cool, the Electric Pussycat?

I think the most unique song idea I've heard is the Lipstick Public Service Announcement, Lipstick Encourages You To Have Fun At Our Shows But Not At The Expense Of Other Concert Goers. Yes, that is the title! Its a punk rock song in which there are certain parts where a mosh pit could actually form. But, Lipstick wants you to have fun and dance, and not hurt anyone. And, the album concludes with an original punk rock Christmas song, Christmas Time Machine. 

This is one of my favorite albums that I've had the pleasure of reviewing. Its fun, and it puts a smile on my face. It will for you as well. There's so much going on in the world that will make you frown, so wny not turn it upside down? Order a CD, or download it from their website:

http://www.lipstickgeneration.com/

And follow them on social media:

Facebook

Album Review, 3D In Your Face: Lost in the Volume

Loud! Make it Loud!

Turn it up make it 
LOUD AS HELL!!!

2 years ago, I had the privilege of  getting to know Omaha, Nebraska's rock and roll pride and joy, 3D In Your Face. I interviewed them several times, and I reviewed their album, Midnight Devils. It is a glam metal masterpiece. When bass player, Sam 'Spade' Morris contacted me, telling me that they were recording a new album, I wondered if they could have a repeat performance of awesomeness. Well, they did. Their new album, Lost in the Volume is a perfect followup to Midnight Devils. It shows the continued maturation and growth of a band that was already firing on all cylinders. 

Spade

The first song, 2 Miles Down starts off with a hard and heavy lick from guitar virtuoso, Chris 'Sniper' Hineline, with the band joining in. Singer, Alan 'Hot Rod' King dips deep into his vast vocal range and gets low. The song has a catchy chorus that's perfect for sing along audience participation. And, not to mention a blistering guitar solo from Sniper. The band has changed drummers a couple times since I first came into contact with them, but they seem to have hit the jackpot with John 'The Hammer' Lovings. That's a very appropriate nickname as his sound is heavy and turns the bands low punch from about 8 up to 11. He and Spade combine to knock you into your back seat, and loosen your fillings.

Hammer

The band explores several different genres on Lost in the Volume, including punk with the song Moscow Queen. But it's punk with 80's glam flashy guitar that isn't there in most punk music. Its a unique and awesome fusion of 2 genres. My favorite song on the album is Loud. Its a metal anthem that grabs you with a Randy Rhoads/ George Lynch inspired hook riff. Once again, Hot Rod explores the lower reaches of his vocal range, but he's all over it in this song. 

Hot Rod

I'm going to stop saying that Sniper is an incredible guitarist on every song. I'm going to put this here, and you need to remember it. Sniper is a phenomenal guitarist who belongs in the same conversation with people like Rhoads, Lynch, and others. His solos are blistering, and his rhythms are catchy yet intricate. He even has a couple unaccompanied breaks in Memphis Mile, rocky/bluesy jam. On Sound of Recklessness, he is simply brutal. 

Sniper

Lost in the Volume has all of the things that made Midnight Devils a masterpiece. Great songs, a few anthems, a ballad, (Show Me How To Love Again) astounding musicianship, and a production that sounds better than the majority of the music on rock radio stations...even back in the 80's when stellar production was a must. But as I mentioned before, it also shows growth as a band. They seem even tighter and more comfortable together than before, if that's even possible. The radio needs to be 'Baptized by 3D In Your Face.' (A play on the title of track 8, Baptized by the Radio) The song, Static Renegade has a clip of one of their songs being played on the radio. It needs to happen nationwide. Their shows are high energy, and their fans follow them the way New York fans did for Twisted Sister before they got signed. They go to all the shows, and are blown away every time. And, they are getting notoriety too. They've played many festivals with big name bands, such as Rocklahoma. 3D In Your Face delivers 110% both in digital, and on stage.

Lost in the Volume joins Midnight Devils on my cell phone in its entirety. I've been wearing it out, and you will too.If you love the arena sound of 80's metal, this is a must. I've said it before, and I'll say it again..If 3D In Your Face had been around in 1985, they would have headlined arena tours and had platinum albums.

Buy it NOW, and play it LOUD!!!!!

3D In Your Face's links:

Facebook 

Their Website  

Buy the CD

iTunes (This has all their albums) 

All Access to PA Glam Band, Scarlett Gypsy, New Album, 'All Access'

You could say that York, PA's authentic glam band, Scarlett Gypsy is their best kept secret. They formed in 1991, right as grunge was beginning to rear its ugly head. But, even though most of the other glam bands broke up, they stayed together with their original lineup, making music and making the people in northern PA fall in love with them. They have played in front of thousands in their region, but never really made it past that. Now, with the resurgence of 80's glam, they have decided that its time to go out and play. So, they put together their long awaited debut, All Access.

All Access is a raw and hard driving glam rock album that would fit right in the CD rack with bands like Warrant, Firehouse, and Twisted Sister. Its gritty sleaze anthems like Lov'n Shuv'n and the Sleazy Blusey treat, Tuff -E- Nuff are a breath of fresh air in contrast to today's whining and guttural screaming singers. Its a treat served with nasty lyrics served up with a nasty groove as well. The songs are complimented by 2 great power ballads that will make you reach for your lighter. When You See Me, and Without Your Love. Other songs have a cool driving groove like Is This Love, which is a rock and roll anthem that will take you back to the when wearing leather in 98 degree weather was 'cool.' 

One song that is a huge crowd pleaser is Black Betty. You may not know this, but Ram Jam did not write this song. I didn't know this either. It originated in the 1800's, and is believed to be a song that slaves sang as they were working. Although, I like Scarlett Gypsy's version better. It sounds more METAL! (Sorry, Ram Jam!) 

The band is very talented, and their music reflects the fact that they've been together for so long. You can find videos of them in concert on their YouTube page, as well as their music videos. Stop what you're doing right now, and watch this video for Don't Forget My Name.

Yeah, I got a little emotional seeing that video too. 

Scarlett Gypsy delivers a great new refreshing sound of old school rock complete with blazing guitar riffs, melodic vocals and infectious hooks straight to you with the volume cranked up to eleven!!! Singer Dave Mathew has a very versatile voice that can do amazing things. Listen in particular to the song, Without Your Love. Guitarist, Steve Plonk is easily in the 'better guitarists' category when it comes to 80's hair bands, and Robert Douglas on bass, and Scotty Scarlett on drums make up a very solid and nasty rhythm section. 

But, on top of all that, they are very cool guys. We had them on The Will and Thunder Show <ca-ching!> recently, and they are among the most favorite guests that we've had. Check it out! You'll really want to hear the 'Black Diaper' story.

So, do yourself a favor, and buy this album from Bandcamp. 80's music is coming back, and Scarlett Gypsy is one of the keepers of the flame that kept metal alive. Scarlett Gpysy, and bands like 3D in Your Face continued playing this awesome music, and earning the love of everyone they played in front of, and slowly, interest began to come back. Now, its back!

Follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

And one other thing...Singer, David Mathew also builds amazing custom guitars. Shoot the band a message on social media, and I'm sure they will give you details. The knobs on his guitars go up to ELEVEN!!!

Omaha's Glam Band, 3D In Your Face and Their Album, Midnight Devils

Is the 80's hair band scene dead? Maybe, but don't tell that to Omaha Nebraska's 3D In Your Face. (Or me for that matter) Sure, you have bands like Steel Panther out there who are very good, talented, and who put on a hell of a show, but they are a parody. They will tell you that themselves. 3D In Your Face is also an extremely talented band, who also puts on one hell of a show. In fact, it may even be a better show than the one Steel Panther delivers. 

THOUSANDS!

They have been around for about 13 years, and they own Omaha, and surrounding areas. They recently played in an arena in front of 5000+ people..and blew the doors off the place. Their members, Alan 'Hot Rod King, Chris 'Sniper' Hineline, Sam 'Spade' Morris, and Jeremy 'THE Playboy' Deans are the real deal. They have a passion for 80's hair metal, and if they had existed back in 1987, they would have been touring 20,000 seat arenas in support of their album, Midnight Devils. And, Poison would be opening for them because while Poison had one hell of a stage show and catchy songs, so does 3D In Your Face. The energy of their shows along with the catchy tunes is complimented with more musical talent than Poison. For example, Hot Rod has the vocal range of some of the legendary screamers in metal. Sniper is in the same neighborhood of legendary guitarists as George Lynch, and even Eddie Van Halen. You can certainly hear the influence in the various songs on the CD.

Hot Rod

Sniper

The CD, Midnight Devils starts off with a metal anthem, Forbidden City that grabs you by the throat and lets you know just what you are in for as you listen to the rest of the album. Generation Durt is an audience participation anthem that is sure to bring back memories of singing a chorus along with 20,000 other fans in a packed arena with nothing but the drums. The title track, Midnight Devils tells us that our real personality comes out when the sun goes down. Spade even takes a turn on lead vocals on Bleed Betty Bleed. He could easily sing lead vocals for another band, but then 3D would be missing a chunk of the band's energy. He is powered by several Energizer batteries that never seem to lose their charge. Underneath the Stairs tells us that getting dragged to hell by a monster wouldn't be that bad because there's going to be one hell of a party when you get there. And, what would an 80's hair metal album be without a power ballad? Always Brings Me Back fires on all cylinders, and guarantees the ambiance of Bic lighters all over the place when they play it. 

The band put out a very well produced and professional looking video for the song In Your Face; a song where Sniper's Van Halen influence is very much on display. Check it out:

Spade

THE Playboy

There are several anthems on the album, all of which could be used to open or close a show, but the last track I Still Believe In Rock N Roll is the finale... the encore. The song the band plays to end the show after the lights go down, and they leave the stage then come back to thunderous applause, along with (I hope) boobie flashing!

  3D In Your Face needs to be grabbed by a record label. With all the '80s bands making resurgence albums that are selling, it would be great to see the genuine act out there on the road as much as possible. The more bands like this that come out and get signed means the more the idiot radio stations will have to take notice -- same with the larger record labels. We are sick of this corporate meat grinding pop that saturates the airwaves, and we are sick of being told that a majority of the people out there like that garbage. It's time to take it back, and send the message that we aren't going to take it anymore and that we still believe in rock and roll. So, buy this album, and sell out their shows when they come to your area. 

On top of being great guys, Sniper and Spade have been guests on the Will and Thunder Show <caching!> twice. Check that out, and buy their album! And, find them on Facebook