Those lovable folks at Metal Heaven have done it again. Swedish Bai Bang are another band seeking glory and fame with the tunes and style past associated with the 1980’s, but how do they fair in today’s market? For starters, they are booked to play the ultimate metal festival Wacken Open Air and are participating in their “metal battle”, so whilst I catch my breath after relentless listens to this CD, I find myself taking a quote from their album title, we are definitely ready!
‘I Love the Things You Hate’ takes me back to good time rock and roll; not glam, just pure and simple party rock and roll. Now there is nothing wrong with that in my book, and being as the weather is getting slightly warmer, it’s a nice album to drive the car to as well. Diddi’s vocals are simply spot-on and there is a little Ian Astbury (The Cult) and Paul Laine (Danger Danger) thrown in for good measure with the energy of Tuff’s ‘All New Generation’. ‘Are You Ready, I’m Ready’ takes you to the early Bon Jovi days up to their second album, with perfect and precise vocal harmonies with the building bricks laid down, the song rapidly builds to an infectious sing-a-long chorus.
The funfair continues all throughout the disc and slows down for the as expected ballad in ‘Only the Best Die Young’. In fact, it is remarkable that people from this genre and generation are still alive today, due to their love for all things taken to excess. The melodies are mature and thoughtful, strong vocal duties make this an ease to listen too, soulful solos with more emotion than a break-up letter!
This album is full of fun, beautiful melodies and thoughtful rock and roll arrangements. It has been a true surprise for me and if you like good time party music, you should enjoy this disc.
http://www.baibang.se
http://www.myspace.com/baibang
http://www.metalheaven.net
