You don't need to be a die-hard '80s metal fan to know that the fruits of an artistic alliance between DANGER DANGER singer Ted Poley and guitarist/producer Steve Brown of TRIXTER is going to make melodic rock fans rejoice! The two musicians from New Jersey recently created TOKYO MOTOR FIST and the new band unleashed their self-titled debut album on February 24 via Frontiers Music Srl. Ted and Steve have been friends for a long time. They were playing the same club circuit with their respective bands, DANGER DANGER and TRIXTER, when both bands were starting their careers. Over the years, they've had a great personal relationship and the idea of doing a record together has been in the cards for many years. Now, thanks to Frontiers, this concept has become a reality. "As a songwriter, I couldn't be happier with the way the songs came together. Fans of TRIXTER, DANGER DANGER, DEF LEPPARD, BON JOVI and CHEAP TRICK will get the best of all those worlds" Chuck Burgi added.

I am a fan of  '80s style metal, and I can attest that this band is something to pick up! With TOKYO MOTOR FIST you get exactly what you expect, catchy and uplifting hard rock melodies, hooks for days, major guitar riffs and killer rhythm. As a band, they play off each other wonderfully, the songwriting is on point and it seems like they have very good chemistry. The music is infectious, starting with "Pickin Up The Pieces", a kick-ass song that reminds me of BON JOVI. "Love Me Insane" might just be my favorite track, clearly the one of the highlights of the album that I really wish to listen to live. The contemplative "Get You Off My Mind" tells the tale of a long time relationship ending and alongside "Don't Let Me Go" give balance to the record, giving some breathing time in between. There are tracks of all nature, from the mellow ballad "Love" to the fast-paced "Put Me To Shame", to the 'feel-good' "Shameless", you have something for everybody.

For the fans of the genre, there is nothing out of the ordinary with TOKYO MOTOR FIST self-titled album, but it is something to listen to, to reminisce about when WARRANT and CHEAP TRICK were 'in vogue'.