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Great White
Rising
(Shrapnel Records)
In a time when the much-maligned Classic Rock genre is being almost continuously redefined (let’s face it: the artists and groups of our rapidly fading youth(s) aren’t exactly getting any younger, now are they?), many once prominent acts that had, for various reasons, slipped from the limelight, have again found themselves the focus of intense renewed interest. Unfortunately, despite even the most sincere of intentions, many of such returns are often marked by substandard releases (most notably hastily assembled Greatest Hits compilations), less than inspired performances and sporadic touring. However, this is most definitely not the case with Los Angeles, California-based veterans Great White. Returning with their second collection of new material in as many years, the embattled quintet has again returned to kick our asses. The question is, are you truly ready?
On the stellar Rising (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of ingeniously-executed Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the woefully cliché-ridden (albeit highly-effective) “All Or Nothin’”, and the smoldering “I Don’t Mind”, instantly commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Undoubtedly attempting to recapture (or, at the very least, build upon) the veritable tidal wave of momentum initiated with the release 2007’s stunning quasi-‘…comeback…’ Back To The Rhythm, the group dives headlong into a wisely chosen set of refreshingly airtight material. Quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades, the group quickly reminds us all of their virtuosic tendencies and the sonic avalanches that are so often the results.
Continuing with the maddeningly infectious, seemingly self-explanatory “Loveless”, and the emotionally charged, Blues-inflected lament “Last Chance”, the newly rejuvenated combination of vocalist Jack Russell, lead guitarist Mark Kendall, guitarist/keyboardist Michael Lardie, ex-Accomplice/Ramos bassist Scott Snyder (replacing inexplicably absent Quiet Riot/House Of Lords/Rough Cutt alumni Sean McNabb) and drummer Audie Desbrow steamroll ahead like the well-oiled machine they have obviously continued to be. Deftly showcasing their already oft-documented penchant for all things Hard Rock and Hard Rock-related without entirely abandoning their trademark tonality, the group wastes little time engulfing the average listener amid a seamless, mostly mid-tempo barrage of gritty vocals, searing fretwork and ‘imaginatively punishing rhythms’.
A self-produced and mixed affair throughout, other standouts, including the delightfully brass-tinged “Down On The Level”, and the equally impressive closer “My Sanctuary”, while inarguably far removed from the group’s multi-Platinum-encrusted heyday (i.e. the MTV-fueled behemoths that were 1987’s Once Bitten… and 1989’s Twice Shy), drive home ‘…each key focal point…’ with a carefully calculated ease. The end result(s), as you may have already guessed, of the group’s obviously painstaking efforts is a collection of material quite obviously worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades, a much-welcomed and increasingly rare factor that instantly makes Rising one of the improbably long-running group’s most memorable efforts to date.
So maybe it’s not Can’t Get There From Here, Part II (or, for that matter, Psycho City, Part II) but then again, that’s kinda the point, now isn’t it? What, exactly, are you waiting for? Another freakin’ Ian Hunter cover? Effectively reaffirming the group’s already undeniably well-deserved reputation as a bona fide creative force not to be ignored, the majority--if not all--of the decidedly hook-laden wares contained herein are seemingly guaranteed to leave both clueless newcomers and the most die-hard of completists only wanting for more. Not surprisingly, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of refreshing, slightly ‘Old School’ alternative to the mindlessly puréed, ‘…New Rock…’ drivel that is so often the mainstream, then this, my friends, might just be the proverbial high octane cure the doctor ordered. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Select Discography
Rising (2009) ********
Back To The Rhythm (2007) ********
Thank You…Goodnight (2002) *******
Recover (2002) *****
Greatest Hits (2001) **
Can’t Get There From Here (1999) ******
Great Zeppelin: A Tribute To Led Zeppelin (1999) *****
Let It Rock (1996) ****
Stage (1996) ***
Sail Away (1994) ***
Psycho City (1992) **
The Blue EP (EP) (1991) **
Hooked (1991) **
Live In London (1990) **
…Twice Shy (1989) **
Recovery: Live! (1988) **
One Bitten… (1987) **
On Your Knees (1987) **
Shot In The Dark (1986) **
Great White (1984) **
Out Of The Night (1982) *
* released via Aegean Records
** released via Capitol Records
*** released via Zoo Entertainment
**** released via Imago Records
***** released via Cleopatra/Deadline Records
****** released via Portrait Records
******* released via Knight Records
******** released via Shrapnel Records