When delivering the type of music Brighton Rock were known for, Fraze Gang are undoubtedly still adept. But by opting to pursue other directions, some with modern tinges, the album as a whole suffers.
Written by: Dangerzone
ARTIST: Fraze Gang
ALBUM: Fraze Gang
LABEL: Independent
SERIAL: FG-01
YEAR: 2006
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Greg Fraser – vocals, guitars, production * Stevie Skreebs – bass, backing vocals * Phill Epp – drums, backing vocals
Additional Musicians: Rob Patterson, Fred Mauiri, Corey MacFadyen, Tim Hicks – keyboards
TRACK LISTING: 01 Blow Me Away * 02 Saviour * 03 Broken Hero * 04 Sugar Daddy * 05 Rainbow Eyes * 06 Paradise * 07 High Life * 08 I Stand Alone * 09 You Had It All * 10 Stargazer * 11 Roll With The Punches * 12 Hot Rod
RATING: 70/100
WEBLINKS: NA
Fraze Gang Background
From the ashes of seminal Canadian hard rock favourites Brighton Rock comes this spinoff Fraze Gang. It features Greg Fraser and Stevie Skreebs from the one time major label act.
Brighton Rock released a trio of well received albums during the late 80’s – early 90’s. Like so many others, they were derailed in the early 90’s by the demise of the melodic scene. It left the band in limbo until a brief 2001 reunion which resulted in a live album the following year. Fraser and Skreebs aren’t ready to disappear just yet.
Fraze Gang is an admirable attempt to relive the glory days. Not just for Brighton Rock, but hard rock as a whole. The saddest aspect to this valiant struggle is that scant few will be exposed to them.
There are musical delights are on offer here. But it appears the band have yet to secure a deal with any label as yet. The fact Fraser and Skreebs are still persevering is a notch in their belts.
The Songs
This is far from consistent over the twelve tracks. But it contains enough 80’s melody and energy to keep Brighton Rock fans satisfied.
Fraser handled the production, the opening anthem ‘Blow Me Away’ does its best to turn the clock back to 1990. Although the guitars are tuned down a little too far.
On the AOR side of things ‘Savior’ impresses with some mid 80’s musical twists. However, ‘Broken Hero’ is a miss thanks to a jangly and almost Beatles inspired hook.
A forced attempt at raunchiness falls flat. ‘Sugar Daddy’ trying too hard to recapture the old school party rock vibe, bit too blatant. My personal highlight ‘Paradise’ blends AOR and hard rock seamlessly, with a chorus that is required listening.
‘High Life’ recalls latter day Loverboy (1987-89), followed by the weak acoustic ballad ‘I Stand Alone’. Plodding along is ‘You Had It All’, dreary rock with zero urgency. It is bettered by ‘Stargazer’, which is not the Rainbow cover. It’s an uplifting personal anthem about overcoming the odds that was so common once upon a time.
Inconsistency rears itself again with another nauseating jangly track, ‘Roll With The Punches’. It’s followed by the boogie of ‘Hot Rod’ which makes for uneven listening in terms of overall direction.
In Summary
When delivering the type of music Brighton Rock were known for, Fraze Gang are undoubtedly still adept. But by opting to pursue other directions, some with modern tinges, the album as a whole suffers.
Using three studios to record in might have been responsible for shifting quality so drastically. But ‘Paradise’, ‘Blow Me Away’ and ‘Savior’ are all worth hearing for melodic rock fans of all ages.
Some may find the acoustic guitar use offputting, but in this age it appears any band or artist is fond of adding such touches. It promises for improved future results, providing the demand is there. With such a track record of success in Canada that might just happen.
Fraze Gang on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
