Although it's not always great, even when it's ordinary there's enough to keep you coming back.
Demon are arguably one of the primal forces of NWOBHM; their ‘Unexpected Guest’ and particularly ‘The Plague’ are both excellences of their time. They continue to produce noteworthy music despite death and deleterious sales figures, ‘Unbroken’ the latest set of stylish Metal.
And now two of their clan, Neil Odgen and Paul Hume, have formed Lawless to apparently shake up the Euro Metal scene. They also have Persian Risk guitarist Howie G to help, and whilst they may not have shaken the scene up, they've certainly jostled its elbow. For this is a clear sound dotted with great, straight-ahead Rock songs. And when we hit one, it's rather special. ‘Scream’ for instance, low-slung and Thunderous in that Brit Hard Rock feel, an organic, growing chorus and involved solo, with class to spare. Or ‘Pretender’, a targeted attack and balls very much to the wall, groovy and rather cool.
Don't forget ‘SOS’, more Survivor than Jim Peterik could ever hope for, a bothersome processional feel with the backline pumping and a bared chest of a chorus. ‘Step In’ too wins out because it leaves the room reeking of Kouros, as the last shouts of mates die down and Glenn Frey smiles paternalistically, such an 80's fun tune. Although it's not always great, even when it's ordinary there's enough to keep you coming back. No performances to overshadow the songs, although the guitars work for it, this is Brit Hard Rock at a high level. Hope Lawless are not a one shot deal.
Not as catchy as ‘The Plague’, but certainly ‘British Standard Approved’ (ho ho).
Steve Swift
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