Variety is the spice of life for music appreciation. Sometimes when I need to step away from the thought provoking intricacies of everyday life, there's nothing better than stripped down, groove-oriented Melodic Hard Rock - and that's what UK act LOST GRAVITY produce on this self-titled, 10 song album. Recording three self-financed EP's between 2008 and 2012, this power trio now fill the time is right to release a full-length, recording this record in a tidy 12 days.

Right from the start, the stripped down focus on 3-4 chord structures of a mid-tempo and doom groove pace as well as the bluesy, almost Ace Frehley-like melodic range of guitarist Breno Val should bring songs like "Back Where You Belong" and "Selfish" to the forefront of 90's Grunge or mainstream Metal fans. ALICE IN CHAINS, AC/DC, and THE SMASHING PUMPKINS are three bands that probably come up most often, as the rhythm section keeps things chugging along lean and mean and any instrumental breaks are general enhancements of emphasizing hooks and grooves within each song.

When the band decide to go in a semi-ballad direction for "All the Same" - the aggressive darker chord choices bring more 90's Alternative/ Grunge acts to mind, Breno subtly rising up and down his register in unison with the riff and rhythms. There are occasions where I feel the hooks aren't strong enough or the melodies very monotone in more of a Dave Mustaine whiny way - as "Venom in a Vial" isn't really spitting mad but rather just by the numbers Grunge Rock.

LOST GRAVITY may not be revolutionary in terms of their output, but they know how to get the job done in an entertaining, catchy manner. I would imagine the three-piece being a lively bunch when taking this material to the stage- so if Grunge-oriented Hard Rock is what you crave, this self-titled album could meet your approval.<