SKID ROW
Revolutions Per Minute
SPV Records 2006
www.skidrow.com

Read the Rachel Bolan interview

What's the 4-1-1?
Sophomore effort for the current version of Skid Row featuring Johnny Solinger on vocals.

Genre
Hard rock / blues-rock

The Good
Thunderous drum pounding and heavy-ass riffs lead the charge on “Disease.” Solinger has a great hard rock vocal tone that has just enough edge to it. “Another Dick in the System” adds a little humor to the revved up guitars and electrified vocals. The chorus is catchy as hell and so is the main guitar riff. Skid Row takes a brief turn toward the experimental with their punk inspired jam “When God Can’t Wait.” Not only does it tread punk territory, but there’s a little blues and country twang to it.

“Strength” has one of those powerful progressions that make you want to throw your fist in the air and scream. It’s more humorous lyrics on “White Trash,” but you have to admit that you know at least one person like that. It’s back to that country twang on “You Lie.” Even though it’s quite a departure from their normal tone, the repetitive chorus will be spurting out your mouth in no time.

The Bad
I did like the tracks where Skid row took a chance and went for a different sound (“When God Can’t Wait” & “You Lie), but I felt that they kind of disturbed the hard rock flow of the album.

The Verdict
On Revolutions Per Minute, Skid Row sound more like we remember them (as compared to their industrial infused pervious release Thickskin). Solinger is falling right into place as the new frontman; even sounding a little like Sebastian Bach on some tracks. All the raw hard rock energy is back, and there are riffs o’ plenty for the guitar fans out there. The group takes a chance here and there musically, and even though they’re a little outside their expected comfort zone, they’re still quality tracks.

Did You know?
Skid Row were discovered by Jon Bon Jovi in 1987.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Skidrow - Thickskin

--George Dionne