Accelerator were an interesting blip on the early 90’s timeline. Assembled from all parts of the USA,, the band seemed to have lofty ambitions, but never quite got themselves out of the second division.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Accelerator
ALBUM: Welcome To The Show
LABEL: Intercontinental
SERIAL: 7-2818-79101-2
YEAR: 1991
CD INFO: Discogs Info List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Jon A Gress – lead guitars, keyboards, vocals * Abbie J Stancato – vocals, guitars * Tommy Greco – bass * Michael Paul Morobitto – drums, percussion
TRACK LISTING: 01 Welcome To The Show * 02 Feel The Pain * 03 Love Has Taken It’s Toll * 04 Who Do You Love * 05 Shine On * 06 Deep In The Night * 07 Rock & Roll Fantasy * 08 Hail To The Rhythm * 09 Wishing Well * 10 97 Tears * 11 Old King Cole * 12 Cocaine (Part II) * 13 Farewell
Background
Accelerator were an interesting blip on the early 90’s timeline. Assembled from all parts of the USA (L.A, Miami, Pittsburgh and Buffalo), the band seemed to have lofty ambitions, but never quite got themselves out of the second division.
Their imagery was caked in Angel like stage-dress, though their music was good in places but spoilt by an underwhelming production. The record label Intercontinental was based out of the leafy green Long Island suburb of Commack.
The Songs
The first and title track ‘Welcome To The Show’ proves how theatrical Accelerator were, with fake crowd participation, and a narrator/voiceover introducing the band and their musical message. Tacky opening, and one which didn’t lay the platform for the rest of the album.
The majority of the album is your typical American hair/glam metal, which was probably a couple of years beyond where they should’ve released this material.
‘Love Has Taken It’s Toll’ is the obligatory lighter in the air ballad in the vein of Skid Row, next is the party-misbehavin’ rocker ‘Who Do You Love’ with all its voice-overs and fun time ethic.
‘Rock N Roll Fantasy’ is an admirable Bad Company cover, while the band shake it up on hard and fast rockers like ‘Hail The Rhythm Of Rock N Roll’, ‘Wishing Well’, and ‘Cocaine (Part II)’.
In Summary
Listening to this years later, I come away a bit ambivalent about it all. Musically, the band members can certainly play, but the thin layer of production kills it.
The power ballads and anthems are pretty good, and if you like that hair metal MTV era from the late 80’s, then Accelerator might be worth some consideration.
The only member who went onto anything notable after this was singer Abbie Stancato who sung for Indianapolis rockers Nova Rex during the 90’s era.
Accelerator on Video
Wishing Well
Love Has Taken It’s Toll
Full Album
