I love Metal music, my name is Skullgurl Metalchick after all. Full disclosure, I am still a sucker for the music of the Glam Metal days. The sub-genre had many aliases, Hair- Metal, Cock Rock, Bubble Gum Rock, depending on who you ask. The last couple of years there has been a renewed interest in the bands of the era of hair, I call it Nostalgia Rock. The headbangers of the 1980s now have 401ks, disposable incomes and the silent yearning to connect with the carefree days of youth. In all reality, most of these bands, are content to do some festivals and then go back to their own suburban democracy. Then there are bands like Spread Eagle, that did not go gentle into that good night of musical obscurity. Spread Eagle continues to make their music tantalizingly relevant with the release of their newest studio album, Subway To The Stars (Frontiers Srl).

I might as well just get this out of the way, I am utterly enamored by Ray West’s voice. I swear, the lead vocalist opens his pie hole and I am unceremoniously entranced. The title track, ‘Subway To The Stars’ knocked me on my chukkas, plain and simple. I was not expecting such an omnipotent aggressive sound, rarely am I surprised by new music from established bands, well, color me surprised. The lead guitar hook is perplexing and contagious, Ziv Shalev’s playing oozes the cocksureness only years of experience affords. The bridge and the breakdown show mastery in song composition, seriously, the guys should hold a workshop.

Focusing on track three and track four, and the stark contrast between the two. Track three, ‘Sound of Speed’ is deliciously reminiscent of the “Switch Blade Serenade’ days, a sexy raunchy romp. Track four,’Dead Air’, switches up the entire vibe of the album, featuring a haunting chorus and thought-provoking lyrics, this track is modern and present. Track three and four are a prime example of why the bands’ relevance has outlasted almost all of its peers. They embrace their own evolution.

The remaining tracks exude their individual energy from the dynamic fifth track ‘Grand Scam’ to the tongue and cheekiness of track nine, ‘Antisocial Butterfly’. I would be remiss if I did not mention the second to last track, ‘Gutter Rhymes for Valentines’ and it’s an enigmatic aura. The vocals take on an almost dream-like quality surrounded by a swirling perfect storm of guitar riffs. My little Skullgurl brain is still trying to unravel after experiencing this track.

In a nutshell, with this album, Spread Eagle has proven without a doubt that true talent does not fade over time. It will appeal to any soul that is attracted to talent, and good ole honest, guitar hook-driven music. I urge you to get this album and check out the upcoming tour, you will thank me for it later.

8 / 10

SKULLGURL METALCHICK