If we’re playing the hard rock/glam/sleaze version of Jeopardy, the answer is “drama.” And for $500, the question is most likely, “How do you describe L.A. Guns?”
We all know that beyond Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis, L.A. Guns is a revolving door of musicians – more than 40 at this point since their inception, and that’s not even including the rogue Steve Riley version of the band. Come on…even Axl Rose lists L.A. Guns as a previous employer!
Tracii and Phil themselves have had their share of spats and splits over the years. However, if you look beyond the drama, you realize that L.A. Guns has produced four really impressive albums over the last six years, including their most recent, Black Diamonds, out on April 14 on Frontiers Music.
In an era of nostalgia bands just mailing it in and hitting the road with the same set list for the past 20+ years – much of it on tape, you’ve got to hand it to Tracii and Phil for keeping it fresh, playing live and giving their fans some great new music every couple of years.
Black Diamonds kicks things off with “You Betray,” a song that sounds like a demo – in the very best way. Raw and unpolished in typical Tracii Guns production style.
“Wrong About You” is up next and features Phil Lewis’ timeless and unique vocal abilities. The guy just has a cool rock and roll voice that’s often overlooked in discussions about the great singers of this genre. And dare I say that Tracii’s solo in this one is almost Zeppelin-esque?
L.A. Guns’ self-titled 1988 debut and sophomore release, “Cocked and Loaded” from ’89 are glam metal gold albums. Tracks like “Shame” and “Shattered Glass” from Black Diamonds are without a doubt 2023 productions yet could still find a place in the band’s dirty, sleazy glory years.
Don’t believe me about Phil Lewis’ voice? Check out, “Got it Wrong.” I was singing along with him after one listen. There’s no filler on this record.
I hesitate to even mention the rest of the band because of…well, you know…that L.A. Guns high turnover history, but Ace Von Johnson on guitars, Johnny Martin on bass and Adam Hamilton on drums are outstanding. Together, they bring the sound and feel of an intimate theater show to this album.
The catchy guitar riff in “Like a Drug,” is the perfect closer. As much as fans want and need to hear the classic hits when they see L.A. Guns live, Tracii and company could easily slip this one into the set list today and no one would complain.
Is there an “Electric Gypsy,” or “Ballad of Jayne” on this album? No, but that’s not what Tracii and Phil have been trying to replicate over the years either.
In a world that’s clamoring for new music (that’s probably never going to come) from Guns N’ Roses, Poison, etc., I’ll take a consistent dose of fresh new rock and roll from L.A. Guns any day.
Rumor has it that Tracii is already working on the next record. Given his workaholic-like writing prowess, I wouldn’t be surprised if we get yet another new release in the near future. And if you’re a rock fan, that’s a good thing!
I’m Music Magazine Writer Steve Pawlowski
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