Racer X--Street Lethal (1986)
Rating--7.5
A bit of a super-band, in that it was touted as pure musical precision and talent. The main component here is guitarist Paul
Gilbert, who would later move on to Mr. Big--though the sounds of the two bands are not at all alike. A
lot of fast and furious work here, as Jeff Martin provides the Halford-esque vocals, and on later releases this would also be the band
of drummer Scott Travis.
Gilbert flashes his axework in Vinnie Vincent style and pomp on almost every
song, shredding the fretboard with both speed and precision. The band does well to keep up, but in all it sounds as if this album
is for personal displays rather than a group effort.
A lot of the music sounds like faster Dokken,
with classic Satriani, Malmsteen, and Vinnie Vincent Invasion sounds mixed
in as well. Despite the similarities (or maybe because of?), there are some great riffs showcased. Highlights include "Into the Night",
"Hotter Than Fire", "On the Loose", "Loud and Clear", "Y.R.O.", "Getaway", and the biting title track.
TRACK LIST: Frenzy/Street Lethal/Into the Night/Blowin' Up The Radio/Hotter Than Fire/On the Loose/Loud and Clear/Y.R.O./
Dangerous Love/Getaway/Rock It
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