Twenty years since their platinum selling heyday veteran rockers Great White return with studio album number twelve and are bolstered by virtue of the fact that four-fifths of their "classic" line-up remains intact. Since their reformation in 2006 bassist Sean McNabb has been replaced by Scott Snyder, but vocalist Jack Russell, guitarist Mark Kendall, keyboardist Michael Lardie and drummer Audie Desbrow are still part of the band. As a vocalist Russell still comes highly regarded and cut an impressive figure when the band made a welcome tour of the UK clubs a couple of years back. And what is also refreshing is that Great White have recorded new material as opposed to simply trading on their heritage, an approach which some of their peers would be advised to take note.
Rising represents a solid addition to the GW back catalogue; perhaps in recognition of the bands advancing years it is a more mellow and laid back affair than much of what has gone before and they only occasionally shift up a gear with the up tempo rocker "Danger Zone" and the tongue in cheek "Let's Spend The Night Together". For the most part this is mid tempo blues rock with a groove, Russell sounding particularly at home on the ballad "Only You Can Do" where an injection of mandolin adds to the retro vibe that is also apparent on the likes of "Situation" and the sleazy attitude of "Down On The Level". The often underrated Kendall supplies a decent quota of impressive solos and Lardie's keyboard melodies are found in abundance.
If Great White never made an impression on you first time around then they are unlikely to do so now but there is enough here to suggest that they still have plenty of bite...
Track Listing
01. Situation
02. All Or Nothin'
03. I Don't Mind
04. Shine
05. Loveless
06. Is It Enough
07. Last Chance
08. Danger Zone
09. Down On The Level
10. Only You Can Do
11. My Sanctuary
12. Let's Spend The Night Together
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