Album review by Melanie Falina
Despite all of 2020’s unprecedented fear, disappointment, and uncertainty due to the pandemic, there has been some good to come out of this dismal year as well: new music. And one album in particular offering solace to music lovers is the new Golden Robot Records release from L.A. Guns featuring Steve Riley and Kelly Nickels entitled Renegades.
Now, there is a bit of a fuss happening regarding former members of the original L.A. Guns having formed two different versions of the band while both using the same name. This has happened with other notable bands in recent past including Queensryche, Great White, Ratt, Yes, and others. And what seems to always happen is a number of fans will tend to pick sides choosing one group over the other and consequently bashing the other to no end. Having written for the band KISS for several years, I’d encountered a similar sort of vexation about Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley hiring Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer to replace original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss for current albums and tours.
But here’s my take on the name controversy – I absolutely do not care about any legal or personal drama happening between band members. I don’t care who my favorite musicians marry, or what they eat for breakfast, what their political affiliations are, or what kind of battles they’re waging upon one another.
As a fan of music I want to hear their music. As a fan of music I want to hear new music. And as a fan of music I want to focus upon and enjoy said music without having the unnecessary distraction of joining rock star versions of Team Edward/Team Jacob.
So now that that’s out of the way let’s talk about Renegades…
The early L.A. Guns vibe conjures up visions of girls and motorcycles, booze, grit, the open road, all that went along with the early days of sleaze rock and 1980’s Sunset Strip mayhem and debauchery. Steve Riley and Kelly Nickels alongside Scott Griffin and Kurt Frohlich have tapped into that essence while creating ten solid and modern rocking tunes.
A lot of creativity can seem magical at times. There are always the stories that artists like to tell about how inspiration struck them like a lightning bolt, and of course that does happen. But there is also something to be said for seasoned musicians coming together, knowing how to tap into and wield that creative force to craft quality work. Renegades is a strong, snappy, and genuinely hard rocking release from song-one to song-ten.
Highlights include the title cut, “Renegades” which exudes a catchy, high energy feel that is almost impossible to listen to without daydreaming of riding Harleys through the desert. “Don’t Wanna Know” – teeming with a raw, heavy groove. “Witchcraft” and “Lost Boys” – both simply great rockers, and the acoustic, “Would” with an almost a gentle, folksy sound.
But easily tied for first place would be the album’s first release, “Crawl” and the song “All That You Are.” Both strong, infectious tunes that are aurally satisfying on a level that only those who love and breathe the need for music can truly understand.
When the world can get back to normal, I look forward to seeing this version of L.A. Guns live as every cut on this album is simply perfect for the stage.
