Hair Metal Heaven
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Lets go!
OK, so it should not be a great surprise to hear that Reckless Love (courtesy of Finland, where 1985 is obviously still all the rage!) are as near to an 80s hair metal band you’re ever likely to see or hear this side of Kokkola.
First it was Norway's Wig Wam, then the laughable lyrics (but still very good) of Steel Panther, and now it's the crazy Finn’s turn to give us Reckless Love. Yes people, HAIR METAL IS BACK and with a feckin vengeance. Check out the videos on the web, or the album cover itself, a bastardised mix of Motley Crue/Kiss’ ‘SS’ font, and a shiny, steel logo to boot. As cheesy as brie? Sure, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Opening track ‘Feel My Heat’ has vocalist Olli Herman making all the same noises as a certain Mr Diamond Dave, complete with random musings that Dave made his own and lyrics taken from the 80’s bumper edition ‘I SPY clichéd song book’. ‘One More Time’ seems more of hit than the current MTV offering ‘Beautiful Bomb’, sleazy dirty rock at its best! ‘Badass’ has its Bon Jovi moments, whilst ‘Love Machine’ pays homage to Def Leppard and sees a blatant riff stolen from Ratt’s ‘Lay It Down’. ‘Beautiful Bomb’ pulls together a string of corny lyrics, but is as polished as a polished thing.
If I’m sounding critical, take no notice, this is a great big cherry pie of a slice of RAWK. Herman's voice could be a bit better in parts but I’m sure that will come with later albums. Musically however, this is the dogs bollocks; fine and mighty riffs, foot tappin choruses, pulsating rhythm and as nicely packaged as Derek Smalls’ cucumber.
Reckless Love have taken note of the HM heritage and blended bits of Danger Danger, Ratt, VH, Leppard, Cinderella and all those bands that are trying to make a credible comeback and would die to make an album like this one. The final result isn’t stunning by any means, but they've made a damn good go of it. I loved this music 25 yrs ago, I still thankfully do today. 1n 1985 this album would have sold 5m copies without breaking sweat, today though I'm not so sure. Thankfully RL have taken a chance and I think they are gonna get away with it.