The band lead by Keith St. John from BURNING RAIN's fame was heavily commented, and often promoted as the next big thing, even presented as the first step in the predicted triumphant return of the American Hair Metal Revival. At first I wasn't really convinced by the early sound previews but X-DRIVE's, "Get Your Rock On", received a rave review by the mighty Burnn !!! Magazine in their September issue (86%), so I decided to give it a chance. Then with the second wave of excerpts I began to hope, and once again I was in an eager state when I listened for the first time this debut album in its integrality.

The creative Mastermind behind the whole project, X-DRIVE, is gifted guitarist, Jeremy Brunner, who wrote all the music and co-produced the disc with accomplished engineer and megastar producer Andy Johns (LED ZEPPLIN/VAN HALEN/CINDERELLA/KILLER DWARFS/MSG/HOUSE OF LORDS/WILDSIDE etc...) R.I.P. The whole records was mixed by Wyn Davis (DIO/DOKKEN/HELLION), and of course, the sonic reproduction is stellar.

Think a traditional mix of anthemic Classic Hard Rock with hints of LYNCH MOB ("Just Can't Stay"), KINGDOME COME ("Lay Me Down"/"Rattlesnake Eyes"), HARDLINE ("Love's A Bitch"), TESLA ("Steppin' On The Rock"), RATT ("Get Your Rock On"), BLACK'n'BLUE ("Love Breaks the Fool") or perhaps NIGHTRANGER ("California"), so expect nothing revolutionary in their sound, but nevertheless, the magic is working pretty well, surely because the songwriting is first class and the high playing level allows the band to reach its goal brilliantly.

Indeed the rhythmic couple formed by James Lomenzo (exWHITE LION/exPRIDE AND GLORY/exBLS/exDAVID LEE ROTH BAND) on bass and drummer Fred Fischer is stronger as a rock, and groovy as hell ("Turn The Noize Down"/"Just Can't Stay"). Obviously, the style is clearly tagged by the 80's Hair Metal scene and exMONTROSE alumni Mr. Keith St. John delivers his best ever vocal performance ("Beyond the Angels")...The nostalgics fans of the golden age of the sunset strip will adore this opus... Some youngsters will possibly also find another interesting alternative to the Scream-Core offer...Get your rock on!<