Vain are probably one of those Eighties glam metal bands which many have heard of, but few have actually heard. Originally working as a producer, singer Davy Vain produced the monster debut by Death Angel, ‘The Ultra-Violence’ (still a great album to this day) before recording a demo with Kirk Hammett and then formed his own band who made an impact with ‘No Respect’ in 1989. Over the years the band have released other albums, and there have been some line-up changes, but not nearly as many as one might expect and the current band is very similar indeed to the one which was on the debut with Davy joined by lead guitarist Dylana Nova Scott, bassist Ashley Mitchell and drummer Tom Rickard who were all there in the beginning. In addition we have rhythm guitarist Joel Proto who joined in 2016 and second drummer Louie Senor who occupied the seat between 1994 and 2009 when Rickard left to do other things.
This is not an album which sounds as if it was released in 2024, as this takes us back to L.A and the Strip and everything which was going on with the likes of Faster Pussycat, London, Guns n Roses, Warrant, Dokken Skid Row, Quiet Riot and so many others. I didn’t dislike the scene as much as others back then and found them an interesting aside to the metal of Iron Maiden, Saxon, Raven and others which I was following at the time, and there is no doubt that both Van Halen and Def Leppard had their part to play as well. This album is straight from that era and is all the better for it. I don’t know what the band currently look like, and am sure a photo would destroy my expectations, but this music is all about big hair, spandex and swagger. This is everything one wants from this type of music, great vocals, hooks, guitars, solos, and the feeling one can sing along to everything. I mean, I can smell the hairspray from here, and I live in New Zealand!
There are times when music is all about throwing your fist in the air and having a good time, and Vain have brought the party to town.
Rating: 8/10
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Track list:
1. Cold Like Snow
2. Don’t You Think
3. You Better Keep an Eye on That Girl
4. The Flowers
5. Holding on for Love
6. Can’t You See Me Floating
7. Back In 89
8. KC Swinger
9. Pictures of You in Bed
10. Disintegrate Together
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Links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063607958303
