In the series of Krescendo Records (build your site!) re-releases we herein travel to British ground, to recall (or meet for the first time) GASKIN. While both the band's albums were issued on one CD in 1998 via the infamous British Steel label(?), this current copy does not either include any extra tracks or liner notes but does feature the lyrics to the album's songs.
GASKIN emerged in the early 80s (I think it was 1980 sharp) and is considered to be a good yet non-major league NWOBHM band. This can, apart from any other reason, also occur due to the fact that the Paul Gaskin-assembled quartet was not that 'Metal' (for many was not even) in volume and non-conformity. After releasing two notable LPs in the early 80s (1981's End Of The World and 1982's No Way Out albums) GASKIN disappeared in the British mist. Surprisingly enough, a new album surfaced in 2000 (Stand Or Fall) with semi-adequate material but nonetheless neat motive.
No Way Out sees new vocalist Bren Spencer stepping in, possibly as a good chance to let Paul Gaskin focus on his guitar duties solely. The follow-up to the promising End Of The World debut was of relative notion; British 'sharp' Hard rock with adequate melodies in the vocal lines and enough of the guitars themes. Listening to this album you may bring to mind bands like 'melodic' THIN LIZZY/WISHBONE ASH, HERITAGE, PRAYING MANTIS or CHEVY (or early DEF LEPPARD), to give you some extra feedback.
To my opinion, No Way Out is more impressive than its predecessor, mainly due to the efficient playing of Paul Gaskin (a guitarist filtering smartly his influences, telling his blend to be inspired by the likes of Robin Trower, Tony Iommi, Ronnie Montrose and Jimmy Page among others), the fitting equilibrium of hardhittin' rockers and melodic parts frequently even mixed into the same song (you'll surely enjoy Just Like A Movie Star, Say Your Last Word, Broken Up, High Crime Zone and Queen Of Flames), and Spencer's inspiring performance (candy and rockin' at the same time, huh). In around 36 minutes of music you can taste the more mild side if the NWOBHM movement, hence lovers of more 'metallic' performers like (early) IRON MAIDEN or ANGEL WITCH or CHATEAUX should reconsider.
GASKIN showed its teeth early enough with the I'm No Fool (1981) single (later appeared on the NWOBHM double-disc collection compiled by METALLICA's Lars Ulrich) and - more or less - their two Rondelet-issued releases presented a relative attribute. A good band, a really good band, that - however - did not make it to something grand.