CrashDiet: The Savage Playground

This is a tricky one; there's quite a bit to like about CrashDiet's follow up to Generation Wild but equally there's a good deal not to like. For the uninitiated the band claims to be, "A leading force in the Swedish "sleaze rock" scene of the 2000s — a revival of the glam metal of the 1980s, but with a more pronounced punk element." Furthermore, "taking inspiration from Skid Row, Guns N' Roses, Kiss, W.A.S.P., and G.G. Allin," CrashDiet vow, " to bring back the big shows and big songs of "unpredictable and dangerous" rock & roll."

I can certainly see the influence of most of the above named acts and CrashDiet can definitely pen a mean tune or two and when the put their mind to it they can pump out some highly credible hard rock with the best of 'em – "Snakes in Paradise" is a prime example, as is the closing song "Garden of Babylon". On these tracks the band (Martin Sweet – guitar, Peter London – bass, Eric Young – drums and Simon Cruz – vocals) deliver the necessary verve and swagger needed to pull off sleaze rock and the highest praise I can give is that they sound like an on form Backyard Babies; but and it's a big BUT… when it goes pear-shaped it goes pear-shaped in the most hideous way imaginable. It doesn't necessarily go wrong when the band use "fucking" as an adjective on the odd occasion nor when it gets a tad sweary at the end of "Cocaine Cowboys" but "Lickin' Dog" must be contender for most puerile song of the year. What happened fellas, did the spirit of Steel Panther overtake you? This song is just unadulterated rubbish. I'm sure there's some deep meaning behind it but could we not express ourselves like adults? It really takes the sheen off an otherwise solid effort as it doesn't even have the redeeming quality of a memorable hook. Shame, but that's what the skip button is for.

Track Listing:

1. Change the World
2. Cocaine Cowboys
3. Anarchy
4. California
5. Lickin' Dog
6. Circus
7. Sin City
8. Got a Reason
9. Drinkin' Without You
10. Snakes in Paradise
11. Damaged Kid
12. Excited
13. Garden of Babylon

Added: January 28th 2013
Reviewer: Simon Bray
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 2253
Language: english

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