MONEY MACHINE

This is a little better than the debut, but to be honest I still can't get past THE BEATLES-like vocals. In fact if this was all-instrumental or had a different vocal syle i'd be singing their praises. The best thing about this album is the array of vintage keyboards that are in play.

"Money Machine" sounds so much like THE BEATLES except for the light riffs. Keyboards before 2 1/2 minutes as the vocals stop briefly. Lots of mellotron before 4 minutes. I do like the heavy instrumental section before 6 minutes. "Sellout" again has those THE BEATLES-like vocals front and center with light riffs. It settles as contrasts continue. Great sound before 3 minutes though with the bass, organ, guitar and drums. "Neuropsychopathic Eye" sounds like THE BEATLES singing "21st Century Schizoid Man".

"Side Effects" opens with a very brief SABBATH-like riff before vocals and lighter sound take over. Not a fan. "(Another) Nervous Breakdown" has an aggressive chorus that I like with much lighter verses. It's ok. "Mindbender" is a short straightforward track. "Ironheel" is led by keyboards and drums early before it settles with vocals. The contrasts of light and heavy continue. "Death Walks Behind You" is by far the best track on here. Yes it's a cover of the ATOMIC ROOSTER song, and a good one I might add. "The Bitter End" is laid back with vocals to start. It's fuller after a minute with organ. The highlight is the guitar solo after 3 minutes to the end.

3 stars.