Remember "Silent Night Like Hell"? 98 Rock played it to the hilt over the holidays. I liked that song only enough not to turn the dial when it came on. However, I like Life or Death's three-song demo a whole lot more. Their latest effort is very accessible and refrains from the spastic rantings of "Silent Night."
The opening track, "Speedo" brings Jeff Chance's voice out in style. This guy sounds like he came out of the English pub circuit. The tune is simple and appealing. It would have fit well into the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack and even rides the life in the fast lane theme.
"Can't Let You Go" steps up a few notches on the commercial rock scale, but don't you fret; these guys ain't Nelson. David Bannach's keyboard backdrop is more prevalent here, soundly mortaring together the stolid brickwork laid by drummer Gary Hoddinott and bassist Doug Mowery.
Last up, "Anytime Anyplace Anywhere" proves that "Silent Night Like Hell" is the anomaly in this band's style, not the expressive, well-produced treasures on this cassette. "Anytime Anyplace Anywhere" is rich with vocal harmony and Steven Colson's thick, crunchy guitar work. This tape is making me hungry!
And if you're hungry for solid rock 'n' roll, it's only a matter of Life or Death.