RIVERDOGS return with new album "California". This is the band that Vivian Campbell was in before he joined DEF LEPPARD in the early 90's. Starting in NWOBHM band SWEET SAVAGE, Vivian went on to join Dio and played on the early classic DIO albums. In particular, Vivian laid down classic guitars on "Holy Diver" and "Last in Line" albums by DIO that will forever remain in the memory of Metal fans. By 1990 Vivian had formed the RIVERDOGS with singer Rob Lamothe and released the well-received self-titled debut album on Epic. Due to lack of label support the band split up. Maybe it was the case of wrong timing but the traditional classic Hard Rock sound didn't result in chart success and Vivian moved on to the established DEF LEPPARD and WHITESNAKE.

After re-forming, RIVERDOGS also released "Bone" and "Absolutely Live" in 1993 and signed to MelodicRock Records for "World Gone Mad" released in 2011. This album featured unreleased music from various sessions from 2003 through 2010. 2017 sees the return with "California". This album showcases the brilliant guitar sound of Vivian. On each song the guitars are outstanding. Rob Lamothe has a great voice too. The songs are in a mellow Rock vein but most of the tracks have a great break-out solo or some heavier riffs. The album starts with a straight-ahead Rocker in "American Dream" which is almost a party track. This contrasts with the more laid-back mellower sound of the most of the album. The opener riffs along with a hey, hey chorus about living the 'American Dream' and having a good time.

"The Revolution Starts Tonight" starts with a funkier riff and is one of the more Rockier numbers. "Something Inside" is bluesy with sweet vocals and Paul Rodgers style delivery. Great bluesy solo on this one too. "The Heart Is A Mindless Bird" starts mellow and then wigs out at the end with a riff session from Vivian. "Searching For A Signal" is a highlight with its heavy riff and air-guitar soloing. Vivian is almost going back to his DIO days on this.

For the other tracks, proceedings get mellower with more atmospheric sounds. The California theme kicks in with mentions of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), Catalina and stories of LA. "Welcome to the New Disaster" has a great cascading riff and vocal. Rob Lamothe shines on this again with great vocals. If you like this album; check out Rob's solo stuff. "I Don't Know Anything" is a ballad style number that is a bit more brooding and could be a single. Vivian does peel off at the end with a great solo to keep it Rock though.

"California" Is pretty mellow and doesn't re-invent the Hard Rock wheel. However, the quality of Vivian Campbell and Rob Lamothe make each song memorable. This album is up there with modern Hard/Blues Rock bands such as BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION. Vivian and Rob combine like Joe Bonamassa/ Glenn Hughes to deliver top quality modern Hard Rock. It is definitely worth checking out.