Johnny Crash were supposed to release this, their second album, in 1992 but like so many other L.A bands at the time were released from their major label contract and the album shelved- rumours at the time suggested the involvement of one Axl Rose in that decision as new Guns N Roses members Matt Sorum and Dizzy Reed both featured heavily on the record (Reed though played guitar and not his GnR role of keyboards).

Following up where "Neighbourhood Threat" left off, this 11-track CD is packed with AC/DC style vocals sitting over a nice, tight rock n roll groove- and sounds exactly how I remember the early 90's. Highlights include opening track "Damnation Alley", "Mama Don't Mind (What She Don't See)", slower numbers "Summer Daze" and "When It Gets Hard"- the latter of which has an opening that is very reminiscent of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway To Heaven", and "Livin' Above The Law" which is a good solid rocker in the vein of another long lost classic band- The Four Horsemen.

Had this album been released in 1992 it would have done well, of that I have no doubt, but even now it sounds fresh and is a real testament to Johnny Crash.

****

Review by Nikk Gunns