Search - La Guns :: Man in the Moon

A return to form

Daniel Maltzman | Arlington, MA, USA | 12/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After going through numerous lineup changes throughout the latter half of the 90s, the (mostly) original lineup of the LA Guns reformed for 2001's "Man in the Moon." It was singer Phil Lewis and guitarist Mick Cripps first album with the band since 1994's "Vicious Circle."



Released in 2001, a full decade after the whole sunset strip scene ceased to be relevant, the LA Guns act as though grunge, post-grunge, and nu-metal never took place. The band pretty much pick up where they left off last time around with "Vicious Circle," only the band embraces more of their signature pop-metal sound that they had abandoned since "Hollywood Vampires (1991). Guitarist Tracii Guns still has his chops and can write mean riffs, and Phil Lewis sounds as good as ever. The band's music still encompasses the same themes as the LA Guns of the late 80s; only now, almost self-consciously aware that they are middle aged, sound more refined, more mature. The songwriting throughout the disc is mostly quite strong, with the title track, "Spider's Web" and "Scream" being particular standouts. The rest of the album is strong, although not quite as memorable as the self-titled album (1988), "Cocked and Loaded," (1989) or "Hollywood Vampires."



If you are a fan of the LA Guns and/or pop metal in general, this album is recommended.

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