Background
21 Guns was the project/band put together by ex Thin Lizzy guitarist Scott Gorham. After doing work with the Phenomena Projects, it was time to put together a new outfit. 21 Guns sound ventured into solid North American flavored melodic rock, though with a hint of Thin Lizzy's sound which is not surprising really. His rhythm section of Leif Johansen and Mike Sturgis were also ex participants of Phenomena, but more importantly had been joined at the hip as part of Norwegian popsters A-Ha, even though both guys are American. Talking of things Stateside, Tommy La Verdi came to mind as a potential vocalist, as his previous band A440 had opened for A-Ha during 1986, hence Johansen and Sturgis remembering him from that far back. Gorham flew out to L.A to meet him, and the rest is history. So, technically this is an American band based in the UK at the time, though the music has global appeal. La Verdi at the best of times is a sensational singer, and rocks out this time like a tuneful Ted Poley (a la debut Danger Danger).
The Songs
There are many excellent moments onboard. 'Knee Deep' is a grand introduction, as is the storming 'These Eyes', which contains some huge vocal choruses. 'Marching In Time' could be considered a near-classic, containing all the best elements that melodic rock has to offer. Restrained power is the calling card for a track like 'Tell Me', keyboard dabbles melded with toughened guitar lines. The restraint is also evident on the power ballad 'Just A Wish', while Gorham gets to swing the six-string axe on tunes such as 'Little Sister' and 'Battered And Bruised'. Elsewhere, tracks like 'The Rain', 'Jungleland' and the aggressive melodic rock of 'Walking' ensures this album has more than its fair share of highlights.
In Summary
Despite a series of good album releases during the 1992 year, the scene was already on the backburner due to the changing musical climate. Tours were disappointing, 21 Guns included. Not long after, La Verdi left the band, subsequently being replaced by Sons Of Angels singer Solli. The band continued on for a short time, releasing the 'Nothings Real' album. The band petered out, though just recently there was a new recording of unreleased material being distributed through the embattled Z Records label.
Track Time: 50.58
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01 Knee Deep
02 These Eyes
03 Walking
04 Marching In Time
05 The Rain
06 Little Sister
07 Pays Off Big
08 Just A Wish
09 Battered And Bruised
10 Jungleland
11 Tell Me
12 No Way Out
Tommy La Verdi - vocals
Scott Gorham - guitars
Leif Johansen - bass, keyboards, vocals
Michael Sturgis - drums
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发表于 2020-1-11 15:22:04
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