I normally start reviews such as this with a bit of the band's history, but any of you who are in the know will know a little of the twist and turns of the convoluted history of L.A. GUNS and the key players in the story, the frankly incestuous nature of the 80s Sunset Strip Sleaze and Hair Metal bands of that period. The times so and so were in the same band before being poached by the other band, or pushed out because they were out of control, only to end up in that band, the splits, the spats, the sex (lots), the drugs (loads!) and the Rock and Fucking Roll, man! We do not have time to go through all of it, we are here to talk about L.A. GUNS 2023 and their new album "Black Diamonds".   Yes, this version of the ban features Tracii Guns the bands namesake and the snotty Englishman Phil Lewis, so there is at least credibility in that, there are bands from that era on the circuit with less members from the bands glory years than that.

This is another one from Frontiers Music Srl, the label who are keeping the era alive, by nurturing and promoting modern-day artists who are producing fresh takes on this style of music, but also giving bands and artists like L.A. GUNS the chance to produce new music, and not just survive in that nostalgia, best of, half-life of the has-been, and whilst I think it is fair to say there is nothing ground-breaking on display here, it isn't just cold rehash of past glories either.  There is substance and variation here, whilst remaining true to their roots and beyond, the bands they probably listened to growing up.

Take the first two tracks, "You Betray" and "Wrong About You". "You Betray" has a 70s vibe, channeling the dirtiest side of LED ZEP, and giving it an even dirtier L.A. GUNS feel Phil tries some Plant-like yelps and moans, and nearly get there (nearly).  Whereas "Wrong About You" shares some similar musical traits, it is definitely staggering in a different dirty alleyway, a filthy funk, and its almost rapped vocals in places, date it to later in the 80's.

As does the closest to a title track, "Diamonds". A true 80s "panty wetter" ballad, all the bands had in their armory to keep the chicks interested, including the lighter-waiving (well mobile phone waiving these days) passages and heartfelt solos.  And you know what? still works!

"Babylon" is a snotty garage rock song, a bit STOOGIES, MC5, suits Phil's voice.
"Shame" has a filthy groove and nasty riffage, a wailing harp. If AEROSMITH were still getting dirty in seedy bars
"Shattered Glass" has a spangly 80s glitter rock thing going on.
"Gonna Lose" the acoustic plaintive one that has heavier shouty bits.
"Got It Wrong" back in the 60s Garage again.
"Lowlife" Punky, sleazy, brash, and loud!
"Crying" 70s jangly Glam Bubblegum Pop like T-REX with added Guns guitars.
"Like A Drug" pounding beat and relentless guitar-driven 80 rocker.

Absolutely nothing bad, in fact very good, and right up my street.  Just nothing new to set the world alight, just the odd bush fire.