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EP REVIEW: Nothing Sacred - Hollywood Striphounds (EP) By: Cyrus Rhodes
"Nothing Sacred Packs a Powerful Punch" - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST -
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Artist: Nothing Sacred EP: Hollywood Striphounds Label: Independent Artist Website: http://www.nothingsacredofficial.com/theband/ Genre: Classic Hair Metal, 80’s, Hard Rock Sounds Like: Motley Crue, Skid Row, Ugly Kid Joe, Dangerous Toys Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade:
8/10 Weakness: Dated sound. Marketability
CD REVIEW:
The EP kicks off into high gear with “No Way Out” a hard hitting, full tilt guitar groove against emotionally charged vocals, & hooky chorus. Track 2 “Low Life” serves up another rocking low end groove, with hard rocking musical flow coupled with hooky vocal accents from lead singer Mikalas. Track 3 “Walk of Shame” keeps things moving in the right direction with its pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious vocal melody that flows & ebbs its way through emotional fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 rock solid tracks in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic hair metal acts like Ratt, Ugly Kid Joe, Dangerous Toys, & even brief splashes of Motley Crue & Skidrow. Right from the start you will notice Mikalas & company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back, & just being themselves. The overall musical vibe has a flair reminiscent of classic 80’s Hair Metal that once ruled the airways with reckless abandon in the late 80’s, early 90’s – taking no prisoners. The guitar playing from Nokolazzi, & Crash Cortez is hot to the touch delivering solo guitar work that will break the sound barrier. Equally as impressive is the drumming from Danny Burkholder as he pushes the natural accents extremely well, delivering a solid low end grooves song for song – reminds me a lot of Bobby Blotzer. Mikals has all the trademarks of a classic front man & clearly make the (singer to listener) vocal connection. The songs themselves are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair, & signature groove. The EP ends with “You Don’t Even Know” the perfect finale statement for a EP like this.
Though I enjoy the retro-rocked out sound – it’s fair to say the overall production comes across as a bit dated – thou the mix is rock solid. I’m well aware that this is a subjective art for but this issue does affect the productions overall marketability.
From start to finish Nothing Sacred is one hell of a ride – I only wish it lasted longer via a full length format. The strong suit is clearly the overall musical consistency of the music & playing. This EP packs a powerful punch & is a joy for guitar enthusiasts out there who enjoy technically savvy guitar, shredding solos, & a classic 80’s late 90’s rock vibe. So if you like your guitar served up hot to the touch, with solos that are fast and furious, with music that will remind you of an out of control Hair Metal party that once ruled the neighborhood, then Nothing Sacred EP belongs in your hands right now. I look forward to hearing the full length as soon as possible.
Read the Nothing Sacred Interview
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