I knew nothing 'bout this band, 'till a month ago. On their own, they contacted the magazine and offered to send in a 'private' CD for review. I accepted with pleasure and - judging by their name - I somehow figured out what I was going to listen to. Well, the package finally arrived and a certain thought inside my head will - preferably - follow in this review's last paragraph.
Jackviper come from London, UK and - as I had the chance to read on their brief printed bio 'attached' to the package - were formed to fulfill their everlasting passion for the Glam/Sleaze Rock music of the late 80's/early 90's. You know, bands like Guns 'n' Roses, Faster Pussycat, Hanoi Rocks and L.A. Guns can give you the general idea. The band seems to be quite active in the 'underground' scene, releasing a set of self-financed EPs (some of which for free!) while they had the chance to support L.A. Guns during their German 'leg' of their European tour. I'm sure Lewis and Riley enjoyed this 'dirty', street-wise quartet onstage.
Even if I'm not sure if Six Of The Best is some latest studio release or a promo 'compilation' (the CD's title makes me suppose the second possibility), it's music that matters. Hence: 'philthy', 'bombarding' 'raw' sleaze Rock to the bone from these vagabonds, in such a way that it makes you wonder why Velvet Revolver or Brides Of Destruction enjoy success and recognition. 'Dirty' drumming, fuzzy bass lines, uncomplicated yet severe guitar riffing and a frontman whose voice reminded me of Michael Monroe (Hanoi Rocks rule!). Well, there's another guy...the one from Junkyard...can't recall his name right now; you know who I mean! In general, the style is this; especially in tunes like Merry-Go-Round or Whiskeytown. Well, all songs are equally impressive; forget the names for Sleaze's sake!
There are thousands of bands out there assuming they grabbed the Pope by the balls as soon as they wrote their first set of three songs. Sony, BMG, Warner Bros or - even - Nuclear Blast or Metal Blade will definitely not knock your door tomorrow morning, if you sit there on your fat ass waiting for things to happen. More than ever, these are the days for a band to promote its own music with millions of ways. Jackviper do an excellent job - check out their website, for sure - and should be rewarded anyway. Sleaze on!