Very few supergroups ever really work and succeed, and even fewer manage to successfully release more than a single full length. Largely it's attributed to the egos and different backgrounds each of the musician in the band comes from. But American Hard Rock supergroup band THE WINERY DOGS have finally managed to release their 2^nd full length "Hot Streak" after much buzz in the social media and in sites like Blabbermouth and we finally are able to get more than just a glimpse of what the veterans have tried to achieve with this album.

The album starts with a Progressive sounding guitar work in "Oblivion" reminding me of another Mike Portney band LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT's sound. "Captain Love" is almost like a sweet spot between SKID ROW and SCORPIONS, classic Hard Rock love song, full of juicy riffs and excellent vocals. The title track "Hot Streak" really brings in some interesting guitar work (especially the crazy solo towards the end), and the unique vocals by Richie Kotzen really does add to the aura, while the drums play more of a supporting role (surprising of Mike), but the lads slowly start to create their magic on you with this song. Richie Kotzen blasts some insane solos in "How Long", and just when I though the album was turning into a guitar solo feast, "Fire" surprises me with a soothing acoustic vibe, and Richie's vocals sure take you into a different world, and he surely shows his artistic and versatile experience here.

The rest of the album has songs like "War Machine" which go on mid-tempo mode and I personally feel it the band is trying to be overtly technical than be a Hard Rock band, but then again I simply continued to drool over the solos even in these songs, damn! "Devil You Know" adds in beautiful backing vocals by the other 2 lads in addition all the other musical goodness. "Think It Over" is a slow emotional song with some sprinkles by keyboards and percussion. The album ends with a rather disappointing 6 min song in "The Lamb". It's not really a bad song per se, but just doesn't offer much new to the listener, and is kind of a disappointing as I expected the album to end with a much better song.

With ex-DREAM THEATER legend Mike Portney making this band his main priority ever since its formation and the musical direction was more of an old school Hard Rock style, it did make people stand up and take notice, especially with their release of the wonderful 2013 ST album. But as you would expect with a super group like this one, the sound has changed a bit but still managing to hit all the right senses in your body. "Hot Streak" is very polished production wise, and has enough variety and flavor to keep you guessing and interested. Pick this up if you are a fan of any of other/previous Mike Portney's works, or simply dig quality Hard Rock music.