There’s nigh on a dud song here people. All ten tracks from the Killer Dwarfs are there or thereabouts, and it’s the sort of disc you can chuck in the CD player and happily put it on repeat play.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Killer Dwarfs
ALBUM: Dirty Weapons
LABEL: Epic
SERIAL: EK 45139
YEAR: 1990
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
LINEUP: Russ Dwarf – vocals * Mike Dwarf – guitars * Bad Ronald Dwarf – bass * Darrell Dwarf – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Dirty Weapons * 02 Nothin’ Gets Nothin’ * 03 All That We Dream * 04 Doesn’t Matter * 05 Last Laugh * 06 Comin’ Through * 07 One Way Out * 08 Appeal * 09 Not Foolin’ * 10 Want It Bad
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
The Killer Dwarfs started life off as an up and coming Toronto band during 1982. Signed to Attic Records, they released their debut a year later. It wasn’t a bad effort (and I admit to owning accopy of this very album), but this was a case of a good band who became better with each release.
The ‘Little Ones’ came into their own with the release of albums two and three: ‘Stand Tall’ and ‘Big Deal’ respectively. This was to put them on the map via MTV and heavy radio rotation throughout North America. By the time album four came around, the Dwarfs were in their prime. This is literally ‘killer stuff’, invoking musical comparisons with Ratt, Great White and Lion.
The Songs
Russ’ vocals err on the side of caution, combining the distinctive styles of Jack Russell (Great White), and the high pitched warbling of Geddy Lee (Rush). But it’s highly entertaining melodic rock of the best kind, with a production that only a maestro like Andy Johns can create.
The title track ‘Dirty Weapons’ was a staple on radio during 1990 alongside Winger, and chugs out in similar fashion to Kip’s mob. Very commercial, with big catchy choruses. ‘Nothin’ Gets Nothin’ is a hark-back to Lion‘s ‘Dangerous Attraction’ era. Fantastic guitar riffarama.
‘Coming Through’ is a deadringer for Ratt, I can smell the cheeze from here. Likewise ‘All That We Dream’. The obligatory ballad ‘Doesn’t Matter’ is melodic fuel for the masses, beautiful stuff. Great White should do this one,
In Summary
There’s nigh on a dud song here people. All ten tracks from the Killer Dwarfs are there or thereabouts, and it’s the sort of disc you can chuck in the CD player and happily put it on repeat play. They produced one more album for Sony/Epic in 1992 called ‘Method To The Madness’ before disbanding.
However, as good reunions have it, and the fact that they’re Canadian (who seem to be good at reforming at the moment), the Dwarfs are back in business, even playing shows during 2001 and into 2002. Now all we need is a release of their earlier stuff on CD. Wouldn’t that be cool?
Killer Dwarfs on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
