Skid Row
United World Rebellion - Chapter One

So-called fans has not been too kind on Skid Row and their latest works after singer Sebastian Bach left even though Thickskin from 2003 was at least as good as anything with Bach on vocals. I have never been able to understand how people who call themselves fans of a band turn their backs on that same band just because they change some member who isn’t even an integral part of the band considering that Bach wasn’t really a driving force in the band. This new EP comes after quite a long silence in the recorded part of this band, it is said to be the first part in a trio of EPs that is a United World Alliance. This is a five track EP that will have some added bonus covers in a European version but that is not something we have been given for this review. So what about it? Is it worth looking into or will the Bach supporters complain as they have done in the past even though there has been no real cause for it.

Musically any Skid Row fan will recognise the style of this band, their glammy hardrock style in the vain of the classic eighties is more or less the same as it has been. The production is modern, good, and with a strong classical styling, a bit dirty and raw just like the style of music should be. The five tracks play for just about twenty minutes and they are varied enough to keep it interesting for several playthroughs. It should also be easy to take in, easy to like for the fanatic perhaps. I would say that this is a strong production, the singer Solinger is in my opinion a whole lot better than the dreary Sebastian Bach, especially if you compare with his later works and the band shows a lot of energy as well so it should be a treat for those into this kind of music.

I think this EP showcases a band on top form, possibly the best thing we’ve ever heard by Skid Row. Sure some will still claim that their debut or some of the other two decent but quite tired albums with Bach singing is the best and this can’t compare and so on. These will never be turned around in their opinion as for them Skid Row isn’t Skid Row without its old singer even though they do not sing that different. Anyways, I would call this a a very strong EP and for those not so close minded it may just be what the doctor ordered for Skid Row as it is as far as I can tell at least in line with the best the band has done to date. All performances are strong and there is no real weak point anywhere and it stands for repeat listens.

The best track is the first which sets it all off strongly but the rest of the EP follow suit and are not far behind this opening track. The variation between the tracks also ensure that you will not loose interest that quickly, twenty minutes of good enjoyment from Skid Row who appear healthier than ever. Great stuff, hope they never reunite with Sebastian Bach as they seem to be faring a lot better without him. So, for anyone looking for Skid Row at their best I can say that this is your thing. Now all we can hope for is that the next parts of this EP-series is as good as this one, it may be a tall order but I think they can do it.

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