I stand at the cusp of a new year pondering my latest batch of review music. Other than the fact most of it seems to start with the letter L, it's a varied lot.

CD Reviews

Action: s/t

This lot really seem to have a penchant for Poison, at times sounding very like that group. The Curious thing is they sound quite a bit like the Ritchie "I shag yer girlfriend" Kotzen-era of the band rather than their CC Deville past (& present). Jack Marques is at times a dead ringer for Brett Michaels at his best. A good example is "Here in my heart";  just take a listen. I do not wield the Poison reference as a criticism, I might add. This band evoked all that was good about Brett & Co.

This is fun party-time rock that would be perfect fodder for pop-rock radio in the 80s. It's so nice to be reminded of fun music instead the uber-serious we get these days. What the hell is wrong with music that makes you smirk?

Lana Lane: Red Planet Boulevard

Ms Lane has been in the business for quite a while now and delivers quality heavy rock ala Dio with class and talent. Think of Ann Wilson fronting Dio and you are somewhere near the mark. Check out "Capture the Sun" if you don't believe me.

Her fans are loyal and she keeps them happy with her releases. Now in the face of the onslaught of pretty frock metal, she might sound a bit old school at first listen but give this a chance. This is trad-metal foot on the monitor head banging stuff; don't you doubt it. She has a cracking band behind her that really know her chops. There is also a great ballad in the form of "Jessica" for good measure with a twist of menace.

This is great stuff and something to check out for those of you who like your metal sung by ladies but are looking for something in a more traditional style.

Lechery: Violator

Think Dee Snider mixed with Blackie Lawless for and idea of where the lead singer of this band gets his voice. "Hero of the Night" evokes a feeling of WASP at their best. This is driving rock with a slight hint of sleaze. Nothing wrong with that now is there? The band have a track on here called "Cynical" which kind of sums their attitude. List this band in the same lot as The Almighty if they included a guitarist able to pull of George Lynchisms all day long.