Crimes of Passion: Crimes of Passion

When I think of Sheffield England, thoughts of Def Leppard and Joe Cocker fill my mind, but since I was sent this debut disc by the band Crimes of Passion, Sheffield has some new hometown heroes. There must be something in the water of that town because it seems to breed some of the most interesting rock and roll from around the globe. Crimes of Passion are ready, willing and most assuredly able to take their place among the predecessors from this Northern England town.

Like many guys from this generation, they grew up on the metal sounds of the likes of Iron Maiden and their neighbors Joe Elliot and Company. Also like many of this age bracket, the music that filled their ears became an obsession. That obsession became the force that drives this band.

With a gritty deposition, Crimes of Passion will bring back all the fond memories of the heyday of heavy metal while still keeping it fresh and real like the everyday guys they are. This is blue collar metal that is as tough as the steel that was once produced in their hometown. But also like that raw metal, they bend and shape the music into something that is uniquely their own, because along with this heaviness, there is a keen sense of melody that makes the songs irresistible.

Andy Lindsay is the guitar player who makes their sound work. He has the ability to bring to life the music of Crimes of Passion. He has a terrific sense of what a song needs to make it complete. It might be just a pick squeal or maybe a searing little solo, but he has a very keen sense of just what it takes to make this some serious rock and roll! Blazing his way through songs like "The Me I Lost" and the heavy rocker hit "Unbreakable" Andy will have the body parts shaking that normally are affected by the disease called Rock & Rollitis!

With a very talented rhythm section behind him, the duo of Key Tonge on drums and Kris Hudson-Lee on bass has one thing in mind. That is to keep heads banging, feet stompin' and fist pumping!

A band like this needs a frontman who is not only talented but also has the charisma to keep you heading back for more. Crimes of Passion have found their guy. Dale Radcliffe not only has the rock star swagger and good looks, he has the pipes that are just what the doctor ordered for this brand of rock and roll. He can be gritty and tough when called for or when the time comes to melt the female heart, his voice will make your date forget about who she is with, at least for a moment. He tells me he grew up on the likes of Iron Maiden and it shows. In many ways, he does remind me of Bruce Dickinson. If not for anything else, he sings with the same fire and passion which fuels the addictive sound of the band. To emphasize his ability, while touring with Jeff Scott Soto, Dale was asked to sing with him. Soon it became a regular thing and each night he was asked to come up and do "Separate Ways" with Jeff. I guess Jeff knows talent when he sees it!

The band has toured with the likes of Soto. They have also shared the stage with bands such as Great White and White Lion to name a few. Constant touring has amassed a European following that is just plain rabid for their music. With this debut CD now out and available, it will not be long before these guys are storming the American shores too!

Track listing:


1. A Thousand Strong
2. The Me I Lost
3. God Made Me Your Angel
4. Unbreakable
5. Fight You On My Own
6. Die Alone
7. Pretty In Blood
8. Breathless And Beautiful
9. Where No-One Speaks Your Name
10. Exit Wound
11. Dream Of Me

Added: December 7th 2008
Reviewer: Scott Ward
Score:
Related Link: Band's Myspace Page
Hits: 2217
Language: english

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