SMASH ALLEY – Too Late To Say No

Try to surf the Web for the group Smash Alley, and you’ll come to the conclusion that there’s not a lot of information to be found on this foursome hailing from Chicago, Illinois, USA. No Web site, no MySpace site … all fans are left with is a write-up by a DJ from a local Chicago radio station included in the CD’s liner notes.

Nothing like starting with no preconceived notions, is there? Formed in 1987, they had seemed to be an up-and-coming band in the Midwestern area, garnering things like a local award for Favorite Hard Rock band. The band played their last gig in 1993, resulting in six years of gigging in the Midwest and West Coast with essentially nothing to show for it … as the band, presumably, became a causality of the Grunge influx in the States.

Nineteen years after their inception, the band is finally “whipping out” (pun intended in contrast to the album’s captivating artwork) a full-fledged release that is nothing less than stellar. The band has a remarkably fresh 80’s sound (an oxymoron perhaps) that will remind listeners of a more melodic L.A. Guns, that also has tinges of Aerosmith for good measure.

Vocalist Paul Messina’s vocals are responsible for some of the comparisons, as he comes across throughout with the sleaze of a Phil Lewis, and at times displays some of the characteristics of Steven Tyler. The centerfold picture of the band, in a more stereotypical “Hair” pose, should sport Messina some female attention, as he’s shown sporting the blonde locks and chiseled looks of a younger Mike Tramp (White Lion). The solos of guitarist Tyler Bates are crisp, sharp, succinct, and are delivered with plenty of “bite,” making him, perhaps, the best thing out of Chicago since Enuff Z’Nuff’s Derek Frigo (R.I.P.).

The album opens with one of the strongest tracks in “Died A Thousand Times” with a big bass groove, full rhythm guitar sound, and a strong hook line. Tracks like “Doin’ Time” and “Let’s Ride” lay down slightly Blues based riffs, and groove infected bass lines that lay the foundation for the Steven Tyler vocal antics of Messina and Bates’ guitar flurries. A track like “Slip Into My Groove,” which rides on a cowbell, would normally not be an album highlight, but add a thick, tuned-down guitar rhythm, strong chorus, Messina’s vocals, and a solo with bite, and it floats to the top as something to remember. While there isn’t a bad track on this album (okay perhaps they could do without the “Think About You” ballad), another standout worth mentioning is the heavy stomp of “Fire,” with another thick, heavy, slightly distorted guitar rhythm, a big punch, and one of the best Bates solos on the disc … all of which should bring a smile to any Hard Rock fan.

Bottom line, Smash Alley has delivered one of the best and most fulfilling Hard Rock releases of the year! Somehow they’ve managed to breathe a refreshing sound in a genre that has seen better days. What a fine way to end the year, as this one signifies the best of the Kivel Records releases this year, and with the label’s strong track record and catalog of artists, that’s no small feat!

Lineup

Paul Messina – Lead Vocals
Tyler Bates – Guitars, Vocals
Alan Joseph – Bass, Vocals
Alex LaCascio – Drums, Vocals