DROP DEAD is a groovy hard rock band formed in France in 2013 by Rob. The bands first endeavor was a blend of alternative metal and rock, a self-titled debut heavily influenced by rock giants such as AC/DC and GUNS AND ROSES. Their second outing, "Mayhem Inc." seems to be a branching out of sorts, adding more diversity to the overall sound: elements of thrash, punk and even blues are to be found on the four pieces second full length, but it still seems the band could develop their sound a little more, much of the album amounts to uninspiring "road rock."

The album opens with "TASTE OF MONEY," a bluesy rock ballad with a pretty sharp guitar solo to get things a little thrashy. "FUCK YOU (I'M A ROCKSTAR)" is the first track any right thinking person would listen to immediately after glancing at the track list and it is a every bit as disappointing as the song title implies: a simple groove with the title being gang shouted. "REASON TO WORK" fleshes out more of the bluesy flair, blended with a clear throwback to 90s alternative rock.

"HIGH SCHOOL" is much of he same cocktail, with a slowed tempo and clear heartsick lyrics. "HANGOVER" features twangy grooves and more music that seems to be meant for a party. "NO MERCY" is probably the heaviest track on the ten song release, a chunky groove and even a gutterals to add to the overall abrasive headbanger. The album closes, departing from the thrashy undertones and embarks on an acoustic guitar song with layered vocals

There is definitely an audience for this kind of music, but some sounds should just stay in the 90s. It is still early in the bands career and they are still worth pay attention to, for the sake of seeing this kind of evolution – Rob is clearly exploring different musical tastes on both the releases, and that can be motivation enough to give this a listen.