After achieving success with the rock band The Runaways, lead guitarist Lita Ford embarked on her solo career after the eventual breakup of her original band. Lita has now achieved success as a guitarist and singer. Aided by Gary Hoey as an extra guitar player and Pete Peloquin as their drum engineer her new album “Living Like A Runaway” has been released and I got a chance to give it a listen.
This album is one of the most interesting albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. The album opens up with a loud, distorted into which then kicks into a very well done song “Branded.”
The guitar playing isn’t my cup of tea but obviously shows their fluent metal style playing consistently throughout the album. Whilst both Lita and Hoey play interesting guitar parts and complement each other’s playing well, the guitar playing throughout the album can become slightly dull until you reach the ¾ mark through the album. This being said the songs all sound excellent when not listened to continually.
I felt myself banging along to the drums more so than any other instrument as the fills lifted the song excellently and helped build up to the more exciting parts of songs. The fills help build up to the usually brilliant solos or gripping chorus’ aided by Lita’s unique lyrics. Tracks such as “Branded,” “Hate” and “Devil In My Head” are in my opinion the drums strongest tracks.
The bass seems to take a backseat in this album in comparison to the other instruments; however there are times where the bass has moments of brilliance. My favorite track for the bass is “Hate,” as the simple sound of the bass intro reminds me on Nirvana. Other than the lack of spotlight on the bass the rhythm section is very tight and is nearly flawless.
Lyrically speaking this album is near perfect as the emotion in the lyrics easily comes across to the listener. Whether the emotion is anger or sheer depression the listener is left feeling something, the lyrics meaning are also emphasized by the complex solos and tight rhythm section.
Lita Ford has already established herself as a well-known rock artist as she is soon to embark on a tour with Deff Leppard to America and Canada. Whilst this isn’t my usual listening I find myself wanting to listen to her older band The Runaways, her experience and knowledge of music is easily apparent in this phenomenal album and I’m certain Lita will continue to make great music for a long time, and I certainly hope she does.
Key Tracks: Branded, Love 2 Hate U, Mother
Jake Grey-MuzikReviews.com Contributor
June 30, 2012
