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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Red Hot Shame

You Can't Make Me

Review by Gary Hill

I previously reviewed another set from this act. That one landed more along the lines of space rock, and even proggy zones. This is more mainstream hard rock, but there are roots elements and more at play. It does represent a pretty good cross section of hard rocking music. It’s also quite an effective set, although I think I prefer the other one.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2025  Volume 4. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2025.
Track by Track Review
Sophie

With a healthy helping of country rock in the mix, this has a real drama and style to it. It’s slow moving, and even a little doomy somehow in terms of sound.

Miserable

While this still has some roots music in the mix, it’s very much a doom or stoner metal tune. This is so classy. I absolutely love it.

Unscripted

There is definitely some metal in the mix here. This feels more like a punky alternative rock, though. It still has plenty of roots music built into it.

What's Mine

Here we get a playful and energetic rocker that’s a lot of fun.

Stone

This is another hard rocker with some roots music in it. It’s a step down from the last one, but that’s more about the strength of that tune.

Vampire Empire

The riffing and vibe on this makes me think of Cheap Trick to a good degree. This is fun, powerhouse number with some definite power-pop angles at play.

Better Alone

This slow tune has more of a folk rock or singer songwriter vibe to it. Harmonica is a nice touch in the arrangement.

Give In

Alternative rock, mainstream rock and other things merge here. This is an unusual song with some intriguing twists and moods. As poppy as it is in some ways, it also has a dark, twisted angle to it.

Both

Punky and grungey, this is a hard-edged alternative rocker.

Methodical

A killer hard rocker, this has some great hooks and a lot of style and charm.

I'm Ready For You To Go

With harmonica in the mix, this is hard-edged and slow moving. It has a lot of blues and country in the mix. The guitar greats pretty intense and electrified.

You Can't Make Me

More of a power ballad, this has a lot of roots music built into it. It does a nice job of bringing the album down to Earth to end.

 
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