on 2012-09-23 Michael_Morrison Said:

Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".

Today I spun the latest single from Shock Radar entitled "Live Like Lions" who hail from the New York Area. This musical project headed up by Lee Diamond is going to be featured in a very big and exciting new compilation coming soon... and its a new recording none of you have heard before. Venturing to his website I get the impression this is one project/group thats extremely determined and passionate about their songwriting craft and know what it means to be a no holds barred Rock n Roll band. From start to finish this song delivers and is a very entertaining musical experience from beginning to end. It pushes hard and has an aggressive Hard-Rock quality to it, and even dabbles in Classic Hair Metal and Alternative Rock/Grunge popular in the late 90s. It also reminds me of Screaming Trees, Alice in Chains, Days of the New and even Zack Wilde. There is an unmistakable Soundgarden/Chris Cornell quality to it as well. Any fans of any of these musical styles or bands will enjoy this latest release. It's clearly marketed for those who like a Chris Cornell/male vocal front and playing that never lets its guard down. I get the impression these guys are letting it all hang out via this compelling 10 track line up. In other words they hits the mark remarkably well by just by being who they are musically. The songs strike the perfect balance between rock, alternative rock and in your face Melodic Metal. The songwriting is impressive and digs a bit deeper than the next independent band. Within each moment of this song Shock Radar capture lightning in a bottle as they bare their soul and delivers what I would call pure musical mojo. It offers much in the way of passion and compelling-thought provoking lyrical content. The playing from all members is spot on and just makes the whole CD even more enjoyable. The overall vibe of the production is very defiant, rebellious with pockets of mayhem shining through.

I see Shock Radar as a diamond in the rough - no pun intended to Lee Diamond. This upcoming full length has an amazing amount of potential with all the frustrated Rockers who are out there right now in no mans land. As time goes by we will no doubt hear more from this band. I also wouldnt be surprised to hear more music on Prime Time Radio or even in a video game, high-end Reality TV show, or headlining say The Warp Tour. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it but Shock radar has whatever "it" is.

Michael Morrison
West Lothian, Scotland (UK)
Rating: 9/10