Adrenalin by 1983 were on the cusp of building into something significant. But they needed to have some tangible product to work with. The 6 track Mini LP ‘Don’t Be Lookin’ Back’ was the result.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Adrenalin
ALBUM: Don’t Be Lookin’ Back (Mini LP)
LABEL: Musical Signature Records
SERIAL: MSLP-101
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Marc Gilbert – vocals * Flash – guitars * Michael Romeo – guitars * Jimmy Romeo – sax * Marc Pastoria – keyboards * Bruce Schafer – bass * Brian Pastoria – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 I Need You * 02 Angel In The Day * 03 I Hope It’s You * 04 Don’t Be Looking Back * 05 Make It With You * 06 Runaway
WEBLINKS: WikiPedia Page
Adrenalin Background
These guys are stalwarts of the Detroit scene. We’ve written as much about them as possible, including an interview way back in 2002.
Their origins go way back to the 60’s. But by the late 70’s the band were identifying themselves with the signature rock sound of the Motor City.
Most notably, Bob Seger and The Rockets, both acts exhibiting a healthy blend of hard rock and R&B. During 1980, the band lost their lead singer Dave Larson to suicide.
He was replaced by Marc Gilbert (brother of The Rockets Dave Gilbert). Marc sang on all the Adrenalin records from 1983 through to 1986.
The Songs
Adrenalin by 1983 were on the cusp of building into something significant. But they needed to have some tangible product to work with.
Particularly having something to present to potential suitors should the step be taken to that next major level. The 6 track Mini LP ‘Don’t Be Lookin’ Back’ was the result.
It was essentially a showcase LP that would be the bridge from indie to major label status. All of the other building blocks in terms of the band’s management were already in place.
The LP’s wider overview of their capability worked a treat. All of the songs offer different perspectives.
Adrenalin change it around with ease. From the rollicking R&B of ‘I Need You’, to the tippy tappy piano led ‘Angel In The Day’.
‘I Hope It’s You’ is a punchy RandB rocker that touches power-pop territory, while the title track ‘Don’t Be Looking Back’ is the first sign of leaning more toward a true AOR/radio rock sound.
‘Make It With You’ takes that approach one step further. While we also get a cover of the Del Shannon chestnut ‘Runaway’, given a Detroit R&B update.
In Summary
From here, Rocshire Records jumped on board, signing up the band, and ‘American Heart’ became the band’s major label debut.
Of course that label was caught up in all sorts of business shenanigans and were eventually rolled out of existence. The Adrenalin story didn’t stop here however (refer tag below).
Adrenalin on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
