SUPAGROUP
Fire for Hire
Foodchain Records 2008
www.supagroup.com

Genre
Modern rock / southern rock / hard rock

The Good
“What’s Your Problem Now?” kicks off the album with tons of energy and drum-heavy attitude. “Sold Me Down the River” has a great rhythm with lots of heavy guitar riffs and Bon Scott / Brian Johnson-like vocals. “Born Into Exile” is straight out 80s metal. If you’re looking for a party album, this would be a good one – it’s got a bluesy rock feel and down and dirty lyrics.

The Bad
Like so many modern rock bands, all the songs sound pretty much the same. Overall Chris Lee delivers good vocals but the lyrics are pretty shallow. We all know rockers sing about booze and chicks, but these songs are all basically the same and the writing is just not good. Even Motley Crue or AC/DC who are as down and dirty as it gets have more to say than that.

The Verdict
If I was in a bar and I heard these guys, yeah I’d have a good time, but I’d leave there and forget all about them. In the end, it’s great if you are influenced by AC/DC and look up to them, but you’ve got to have something that’s your own. If you want good lyrics, write something from inside yourself, not just what you think will sound like a band you loved. I appreciate Chris Lee’s vocals but Supagroup needs more variety in the music.

Rating: out of 5

-- Allie Kat