Hollywood Vampires - Rise

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In the 70’s, when playing music was a work for the most creative people, and when labels didn’t exist, a drinking club existed. It was called THE HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES that had as members Alice Cooper, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, Micky Dolenz and Harry Nilsson, and some additional members including John Lennon. But after some decades, a band gathered using this name, with Alice Cooper, AEROSMITH’s Joe Perry and Johnny Depp. After a successful first album (that had almost all the songs being versions from other musicians), they’re back for a second round, called “Rise”. Now the fans are truly introduced to what the band plays: the purest Classic Rock/Hard Rock, done with very good melodies, hooking choruses and all those lovely features that the fans love. And on the songs, three are covers: David Bowie’s “Heroes”, Johnny Thunders’ “You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory”, and THE JIM CARROLL BAND’s “People Who Died”. 8 are new songs, composed by the band, and the others are instrumental or something like that. So what’s the reader is waiting for?

The guitarist Tommy Henriksen (the same one from Alice Cooper’s band) produced the album, and he brought the crude old feeling from the past, but keeping the sound quality into modern patterns (clean and defined). It’s a mix of the best features of both worlds, and worked in a very good way to keep it organic and with a “70’s touch”. The easy catchy Hard Rock “I Want My Now” (very good noisy riffs and nasty vocals), the nasty and melodic spit in the eye called “Who’s Laughing Now”, the crude Boogie/Rock song “The Boogieman Surprise” (a dirty song with a compact work from bass guitar and drums), the Boogie/Blues touch presented on “Welcome to Bushwackers” (very good ambiance, with Jeff Beck and John Waters appearing as guests), the harsh feeling combined with easy melodies of “New Threat” and “Mr. Spider”, the very good funny energy of “We Gotta Rise” are the best ones from HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES. But the tender feeling and wonderful melodies of “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory” (Joe’s vocals are truly interesting), the fine harmonies and deep ambiance of “Heroes”, and the savage Rock ‘n’ Roll “People Who Died” are matching with the band’s musical work in a very good way.

Maybe “Rise” was created for fun, but isn’t music done for such purpose? If the answer is yes, HOLLYWOOD VAMPIRES are spearheading a new time, bringing back the funny ambiance that was lost for so long…

Originality: 6
Songwriting: 9
Memorability: 8
Production: 8