The power of the underground...A band releases a CD and when you listen to a pressure-free sound plus the non-go uncontaminated performance you'd wish Rock 'n' Roll or Hard Rock or Heavy Metal music or whatever would have maintained the sweet filth. Whatever mega bands sell/promote (or not), it is an idea away to remember the 'demo'/'private' bands are the spine.
TWELVE INCHES (or 12, or 12 INCHES? Confused...) is a band based in Finland. Real vagabonds they look like, the quartet had already released three CDs prior to begin working on Six Pack. A rather suitable title, since this late 2008 EP consists of pure Rock 'n' Hard 'n' Heavy material in the vein of (70s) KISS, THE ALMIGHTY, AC/DC and HANOI ROCKS and HELLACOPTERS. Meaning: rockin' guitars with enough dirt, a strong sense of melody without providing anything 'candy' at all, harsh 'booze-trapped' vocals and a simple yet live-wire rhythm section. The change TWELVE INCHES may remind you of a couple of bands from the Scandinavian Sleaze/Hard Rock typhoon the last 34 years is not out of the question; still, this band is more guitar-oriented and traditional in vocal lines/style.
The production is very good for a self-released effort, bearing an honest temper, while the mix does justice to the songs. The sing-along parts in the refrains fit like a glove and TWELVE INCHES do share a Finnish/UK/US (songwriting wise) credit for what they're aiming for. Listening to the EP again and again there is something solid worth waiting for at each song. Teenage Queen, One Night and Sugar Song stand a little bit more on top of my personal list (even if there's a song simply called Beer in there...haha...), but it's to be re-said that the whole songlist features a very good vibe if you're into that stuff.
TWELVE INCHES present a release they should really be proud of. Rock 'n' Roooooll: fine for driving, appropriate for drinking, fitting for fighting Six Pack is. Don't get fooled by the semi-'New American Rock' cover artwork. If HANOI ROCKS were naked, they'd sound like this. And if KISS started out today, they'd also play something like this. And if Ricky Warwick listens to this CD, he'll approve. And don't forget the melodies thingie...