Beast Reality is one of those albums that took a couple of spins to win me over...on the surface, this Frontiers Records debut from London act City of Thieves is not much more than an '80s commercial hard rock/metal throwback, the band obviously having a love for all things AC/DC, Cinderella, as well as more modern acts like Danko Jones and Airborne. No nonsense music, with basic rock 'n' roll party riffs, gravelly vocals, and lyrics that any teenager can probably relate to...well, kids in the '80s perhaps. There lies much of the problem with Beast Reality- it's squarely aimed at rock fans who are now either in their late '40s or early '50s, many of whom have probably moved on to other things. Or have they?
I gotta admit, "Buzzed Up City", "Reality Bites", "Incinerator" and "Lay Me to Waste" are damn catchy, and the simplicity of these songs is part of the appeal. "Animal" could have easily been a leftover from any AC/DC, Rose Tatoo, or Krokus album, and "Born to Be Great" contains a hell of a hook as well as some splendidly memorable guitar work. Thankfully, no power ballads to be found anywhere, the closest one being "Something Of Nothing", but even that one's gritty enough to not qualify. With 12 tracks however, there's not a ton of variety here, which forces a bit of lag & bloat as you get about three quarters of the way through Beast Reality. That being said, enough of what's on display are catchy hard rockers and easy to recommend, so I'd say give City of Thieves and their latest a try and see what you think.
Track Listing
1. Reality Bites
2. Fuel And Alcohol
3. Buzzed Up City
4. Lay Me To Waste
5. Control
6. Incinerator
7. Animal
8. Right To Silence
9. Born To Be Great
10. Damage
11. Give It Away
12. Something Of Nothing
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
