Shiraz Lane: 'Carnival Days'
Posted on February 3, 2018 by Metal Mike in Uncategorized // 0 Comments
CARNIVAL DAYS
To be released on February 23, 2018 (Frontiers Music Srl)
Shiraz Lane have been a mainstay amongst Sleaze Roxx readers over the years. The band's first full length album received strong reviews, as did one of their earlier EPs back in 2015. This band from Vantaa, Finland points to Aerosmith and Guns N' Roses as inspiration, but more frequently seems to represent Crashdïet or Hell In The Club as modern sounds. Ultimately, Shiraz Lane are a healthy mix of both.
I've been a fan of this band from the first time I discovered them via a Sleaze Roxx post way back when. As a huge fan of For Crying Out Loud, I was looking forward to this new release. I have to admit though, the first track "Carnival Days" caused a little confusion. The saxophone infused quazi singalong seemed out of character for a lead off track, and not a strong start to a hard rock album. I'll take it as a one-off and move on. There are several tracks reminiscent of some great old Skid Row or Slik Toxik. "The Crown" for example has wild guitars. The chorus is something that is each for themselves, but I like it. "Harder To Breathe" is another strong offering.
After a few songs, I'm getting the feeling that Shiraz Lane are enjoying combining different influences and styles in order to create their own unique sound. Whether it's Skid Row, The Offspring, Guns N' Roses or whatever, they rock. The initial guitars on "Tidal Wave" grated on my nerves, but hell, it's a good tune. Now, being no fan of hard rock bands going soft, "Gotta Be Real" is not bad. It's a similar feel to the old L.A. Guns' "It's Over Now" track, but different, including a bit of saxophone and a heavier interlude.
Coming off the softer side, "People Like Us" hammers back with powerful guitars, and a quirky piano background. The melodic "Shangri-La" highlights the high-end vocals of Hannes Kett, although parts of the chorus sound more like boy band than sleaze. All of that is immediately erased via "War Of Mine" which returns to proper hard rock territory. I have to say that the guitar/vocal mix on "Shot Of Life" are captivating me. This track is fantastic in its soaring vocals and very good guitar line. Finally, "Reincarnation" starts slow, but has some really powerful work once you get into it a bit.
Shiraz Lane have been pretty consistent over the years Sleaze Roxx has covered them. For sure, For Crying Out Loud was an impressive album two years ago. Carnival Days isn't quite as good, but everything is relative. It's still a strong full-length sophomore effort that deserves to be heard.
01. Carnival Days
02. The Crown
03. Harder To Breathe
04. Tidal Wave
05. Gotta Be Real
06. People Like Us
07. Shangri-La
08. War Of Mine
09. Shot Of Life
10. Hope
11. Reincarnation
Hannes Kett – lead vocals
Jani Laine – lead guitars
Miki Kalske – rhythm guitar
Joel Alex – bass
Ana Willman – drums
Band Websites:
Reviewed by Metal Mike for Sleaze Roxx, February 2018
Shiraz Lane's "Harder To Breathe" video:
Shiraz Lane – "Harder To Breathe" (Official Music Video)
Subscribe To Be Alerted When We Add New Videos – http://radi.al/SubscribeFrontiers / From the new album CARNIVAL DAYS.
Shiraz Lane's "People Like Us" video:
Shiraz Lane "People Like Us" (Official Music Video)
Buy This for Your Collection
Shiraz Lane: Carnival Days on Amazon