That the planets didn’t line-up for San Francisco foursome Murder Bay when they were still an active force has puzzled me ever since I heard their 6 track demo a couple of years ago. The truth is the pieces almost fell into place but the guys decided not to sign on the line of that elusive record deal because of some unreasonable demands of the boys running the label. A change was on the horizon and record companies already had one eye set on a city in the north.
Now I’m sure that quite a few of our loyal readers are also familiar with the band’s first demo of which the 6 tracks are included in this here package but Eönian Records have added a whopping 7 never before released tunes making this a simply stunning, must have collection of first class US styled melodic hard rock by an act that was so talented they could give many of the big boys a run for their money. Add to that the always present liner notes, band photos and ear pleasing sound and you know you should already have headed over to the label’s all new website to order your copy.
Melody is high on the agenda here with strong choruses and excellent harmony vocals but aside from the sexy, bluesy sway of “Simple Man” and the lighters-in-the-air ballad “Around Again”, the guys keep things rockin’.
The Dokken-esque riff of “Land Of Plenty” pretty much sets the tone with its pounding drums, thundering bass and mister Trombetta’s whaling which reminded of Cry Wolf’s Timmy Hall. The icing on the cake however is Michael Karafilis’s guitar playing that is a mix of Vito Bratta (White Lion), Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme), Warren Di Martini (Ratt) and George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob).
In fact all of the 13 tracks are full of great musicianship , whether it’s the funky styled “Honey Child” and “Dirty Work”, the radio friendly “Outta Line”, the slow burning title track, the Van Halen-like double kick of “Song?” or the up-tempo “Long Time Comin’”, the band never fails to impress.
So if you like late 80s/early 90s guitar driven melodic hard rock in the vein of bands like Roxy Blue, Southgang, Von Groove and Cry Wolf then this is very much up your alley. (PS)
 

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Axldobby (on 27/08/12) Well described, PS! CRY WOLF and MURDER BAY are linked, so for those interested by one of them, you've to discover the other side! GREAT release from a GREAT label company. I love "Never Was An Angel"!   LeRoux (on 27/05/12) simple glam that bores easily fav track : land of plenty   YNGWIEVIKING (on 7/05/12) Very good stuff, well produced and played !!! ****3/4 almost *****   Axe-To-The-Wax (on 24/04/12) another band who deserved more attention from the labels back in the day. thanks to Eonian for the release of this gem.

 

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