Hailing from Finland, Hanoi Rocks burst on the scene in the early '80s with their debut release, Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks. Producing themselves, the band took the energy and D.I.Y. attitude of the punk movement, and fused it with a love for glam rock to create an in-your-face sonic attack.
Their first release is heavy on melody and full of bravado. Lead singer Michael Monroe doesn't have the best voice in the world, but delivers the lyrics with a perpetual sneer that gives him character. Added to the mix is the razor sharp guitar playing of Andy McCoy, who rips off some impressive solos as on "Don't Never Leave Me." It's all great fun as the band never fails to lock into a solid groove and serve up highly melodic, high-octane rock. "Tragedy" has some wonderful vocal harmonies, and "Village Girl" is set to a tribal, percussive rhythm. A joyous collection of unbridled, youthful rock & roll
© Tom Demalon /TiVo
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