ST. JAMES is a US hard rock band that has been playing live shows since the 80's but this is their debut album, "Resurgence."  Immediately upon hearing first track, "Attitude," I am reminded of JUDAS PRIEST.  They aren't as metal as them but John James has a very similar style to Rob Halford, on the vocals he used with JUDAS PRIEST'S more commercial stuff. Musically, the band does rock very well-it sounds like they are still stuck in the 80's but that isn't a bad thing.  If anything, it allows them to really have fun with their music, as "Attitude" sets a very energetic tone that stays consistent throughout the album.  The chorus' are big, catchy, and would sound great in a giant stadium.

The second track "Worth Fighting For," has some sick bass playing-it is the forefront of the song and rightfully so. Robert Jacob's bass is very bouncy and really adds some groove. James Jacob's guitars take a back seat in this song because of that but his solo rips. In fact, he fills this album up with some great shredding.  His solos are well placed and fast but don't go overboard in showing off although they are worth turning the sound up for. "Somewhere Between Here And There," is a nice surprise because John sounds like a lower range Steve Perry here.  The guitar has a riff that recalls some of the more catchy stuff from the eighties, complete with wah-wah sounding guitar lead in the beginning.  The guitar solo is head spinning and remains catchy until the end, sliding right back into the chorus.

I wish the album was shorter; it has 17 tracks and that is a lot to ask for a listener and it does get a long winded.  The pacing is a bit off too.  The first ten tracks or so really rock and after that it kind of levels off into ballad territory and it loses some steam.  Fortunately the last real song (track 17 is just an outro), "Inside The Outside," ties it all back together.  The guitar riffs are solo, as well as the bass, and John James really brings it all out with the vocals.  The production is a bit thin with the drums too. All in all, if you grew up with 80's rock and/or enjoy the style then you can't go wrong with this release.