L.A. GUNS
“Checkered Past”
Album Review by Piers Renfree

8.5/10

Way back in 2002, I bought the debut album by Brides Of Destruction “Here Come The Brides”, which had both Mötley Crüe bassist, band leader and chief songwriter Nikki Sixx teamed up with L.A. Guns guitarist and band leader Tracii Guns. I got it whilst I was on a bit of a Crüe kick and it’s a nice little album that still comes out now and again. 

Although I have known about L.A. Guns for many years, they are one band that I haven’t actually checked out before. The band was founded by guitarist Tracii Guns in 1983, although it went on a brief hiatus, when he teamed up with a certain W Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin to form an early version of what would morph into the biggest soap opera in rock ‘n’ roll, Guns N’ Roses. After leaving this early prototype of GNR, Guns resurrected his band and in 1988, they released their self-titled debut album.

Since that self-titled debut, L.A. Guns have released thirteen other albums, the latest of which is “Checkered Past”. Currently the band consists of Tracii Guns – lead guitar, Phil Lewis – lead vocals, Ace Von Johnson – bass and backing vocals, and Adam Hamilton – drums (studio, although Scott Coogan, who was also in the Brides Of Destruction, plays drums live with the band). 

Things kick off with the rip roaring “Cannonball” and continue with the slightly slower tempo “Bad Luck Charm”. The pace picks up with “Living Right Now”, before “Get Along” slows things down, giving us a welcome breather. The ballad “If It’s Over Now” continues things, before “Better Than You” comes tearing out of the gates, with a riff that should be given a health warning.

Phil Lewis’ vocals are clean and Tracii Guns shows why both Axl and Nikki Sixx have wanted to work with him. “Knock Me Down” and “Dog” keep things going at a rocking pace. The production is crisp and clear, and everyone here gets heard. Although L.A. Guns were part of the 80’s glam scene, the sound here is more contemporary, hook tinged metal, whilst not trying to reinvent the wheel and it works.

“Let You Down” is another ballad and “That Ain’t Why” is a mid-paced rocker. The eleventh and final song, “Physical Itch” is a slow, menacing sounding number. All in all, a very good album from the elder, battle hardened road warriors L.A. Guns.

TRACKLIST

1.Cannonball
2.Bad Luck Charm
3.Living Right Now
4.Get Along
5.If It’s Over Now
6.Better Than You
7.Knock Me Down
8.Dog
9.Let You Down
10.That Ain’t Why
11.Physical Itch

https://www.lagunsmusic.com/

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