One Man Gang
Hanoi Rocks was a band that in the 80’s influenced some of rocks heavy weights. Names like Guns ‘N Roses, Skid Row and Poison all cite the Finnish rockers as major influences. Now, Hanoi Rocks singer Michael Monroe is back with a new solo album. ‘One Man Gang’ is Michael Monroe giving the rock scene a huge kick up the ass!
The album is produced by Michael, who also plays harmonica and saxophone, alongside guitarists Rich Jones and Steve Conte. Completing the band line up is bass player Sammi Yaffa and drummer Karl Rockfist.
The album opens with the title track and is a fast punchy punk rock number. With a guest appearance from Captain Sensible of The Damned on lead guitar duties, you could be mistaken for thinking this track was born out of the punk rock era. It has that real classic vibe, but with an all encompassing freshness. A song about living life to the full and maintaining that positive mental attitude – something that in these modern times, we all need to be reminded about!
Following ‘One Man Gang’, comes the ‘Last Train To Tokyo’. Less manic than the first track, I really like this song. A real catchy riff, with a great sing along chorus. This will become a real sing along moment at live gigs, I’m sure!
Next is ‘Junk Planet’, opening with a great bass riff, then a call and response between guitar and harmonica. What a great bluesy intro. The blues feel continues throughout the song, I can hear echoes of Chuck Berry in the lead guitar work. The rhythm guitar is a real crunchy engine, driving the song forward. The pace of this track is slower too, leading into the next song really well.
‘Midsummer Nights’ is up next and is the first rock ballad of the album. I really like the change of pace with this song. It really works well and on an album that is mostly fast and punchy, allowing the listener time to sit back and take stock is great. This is another song I really hope is included in future live sets. It also really shows off Michael’s voice too. What a great track.
The album continues, speeding back up to maximum velocity, we are treated to some real fast punkish moments. Another highlight of the album for me is towards the end, ‘Hollywood Paranoia’. Opening with a real crunchy guitar riff, it is a song that takes stock of where the narrator is right now. It is about living in the present and not going backwards in life. A true, modern, all out rock anthem.
The album concludes with the song ‘Low Life in High Places’. It is a mid tempo track, with a retro 60’s feel, it’s nowhere near as punky as the rest of the album. It is also the longest track coming in at 4 minutes 37. The song has a brilliant crescendo that just seems to keep building until the end of the track. What a great song to close the album with.
This is a great album. The energy that runs through it is incredible, only matched by one of Michael Monroe’s live shows. The album is fun, fast and heavy. It is a party album, that possesses so much swagger and delivers a mighty fine dose of rock n roll. Michael’s vocals are stunning and I really look forward to some of these new songs making their way into his impressive live setlist.
Released by: Silver Lining Music
Released on 18th October
