LYIN RAMPANT – Up And Cumin’

This fresh picture covers the reissue of the debut (and only) album of Lyin Rampant, Up and Cumin’. Not overly new in concept, this album brings you back to the 1980s with a blast of dirty guitar sound and high, long, curly haircuts. This 80s Melodic Hard Rock classic, consisting of ex-Tytan and ex-Heavy Pettin’ members, does get the job done.

Unfortunately, this band released no other album. This reissue, originally released in 1987, has almost everything a Melodic Hard Rocker needs. The sound of the guitars is dirty as one might expect, and with an early Def Leppard style.

The balance really does marvel to the bass, as it rises to give you the more groovy tones. However, there are a few major drawbacks. The first is the effect-overloaded vocals. As the demo versions suggest, the vocalist could have used more of his own naturally gifted tone rather than using so many effects, making him sound too flat. Another drawback is the common similarity between the songs. Although by-the-book Hard Rock, more versatility would have done nothing but good for these guys.

Highlights from this reissue, without trying to find something new here since it’s all been done several times over: “Crazee” is catchy, standard in beat and theme. “Breakdown” goes by the same tempo, not a bright solo. “Promises” is probably the best song in this album, having a very good rhythm and drumming for a start. Also, you are most likely to hum the catchy chorus from time to time. “Way of Destiny” has a nice rhythm, a good song to listen to while driving towards the sunset. “Don’t Walk Away” is a slow ballad as expected, please don’t play it at your wedding party. “Fantasy Girl” is very catchy and, relatively, innovative, Melodic Hard Rock as it should be done.

“Say Goodbye (Sayonara)” is not very clear, either because the muted sound of the vocals or the lack of a solid theme, it doesn’t add any value to the album. “Kill Them All” has the same tempo as almost every other song in the album, nothing bright. “Indoor Games” is more of a filler than a full scale song. “Time Again” is slow and groovy… nice. “Dancin’ On Air (Demo Version)” hasn’t the recording quality of the previous tracks, but has a nice theme to it and the vocals are clear and deeper for a change. “Life in the Fast Lane (Demo Version)” has good vocals, but not as fast or catchy as you would want it.

If you’re searching for complexity or innovation then don’t stop for this one, but if it’s 80s Classics you seek then this is the right place for you. This one is original 80s Melodic Hard Rock as they used to make them.