We can knock these out quickly:
Art Of Anarchy - Let There Be Anarchy
Three albums and three different singers is not a good sign for a 'band' actually being a band. Yes, circumstances get in the way of the best laid plans, but Art Of Anarchy has now given us three albums that sound almost nothing alike, aside from a penchant for rather scratchy guitar tones. This time around, Jeff Scott Soto takes his place at the front of the band, giving the band an identity inextricably tied to Sons Of Apollo, which I could say is either a brilliant move, or a sign of desperation.
I mention that band because with Soto singing, and Bumblefoot playing guitar, there is more than light similarities between the two. Art Of Anarchy now sounds like a slightly less prog version of that band, leaning more into the heavier sludge-style riffs Bumblefoot is fond of. And of course, Soto's voice is an unavoidable similarity. They have built in an audience of people who were fond of that band, but since they have gone on hiatus due to never really catching fire, are there really enough people out there looking for a replacement?
I'm not sure, but here's the thing; Art Of Anarchy actually improves the formula. I'm not sure if it's the lack of need to be prog, or the people who are not here this time, but Bumblefoot and Soto use the same formula to write better and catchier songs with this band. They are heavy and menacing, but replete with enough hooks to appeal to those of us who aren't impressed by how low you can tune a guitar. Soto, in particular, hasn't been on an album with this many good melodies in a long time that he had more than a minor hand in writing.
I'm surprised to say it, but they have delivered a good album. I don't think it has the same hazy charm as the debut, but there's no doubt this is a better option than Scott Stapp was.
Mick Mars - The Other Side Of Mars
Here's an album that has been talked about for years and years, and perhaps is only seeing the light of day because of all the drama surrounding Motley Crue. Let's just say I'm glad I was never a fan of that band, so I didn't have any affection or respect for them to lose. I suppose I was interested in this record to hear if Mick was indeed the best part being held back, or perhaps it's because of his chocie of collaborator.
I expected a bigger name, but Mick made this record with Jacob Bunton, who is best known to me as the person responsible for the album that made Steven Adler a tolerable presence. I love that record, so perhaps lightning could strike twice.
It doesn't quite, and it's because this is a rather odd little record. For one thing, I expected a lot more guitar playing on a solo album from a guitar player. Mick's riffs are simple stomps, his solos are rather infrequent, and there's even a fair amount of piano. He's very much sounding like the support to Bunton, and not the other way around. That would actually work for me if the songs consistently delivered, but they don't.
With the heavier approach to the guitar playing, there are a few songs where there isn't room for a strong melody, and when you combine that with the rather bland ballad, that's forty percent of the record that disappoints. The good songs are actually really good, and are certainly better than anything Motley Crue could pull out of their asses these days, but four good songs isn't enough for me recommend a record. This had the potential to be great, but it's another tale of 'what could have been'.
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