ROSY VISTA – Unbelievable (2019)
Started six years ago as a cover band dedicated to Eighties icons such as Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Aerosmith and Bon Jovi, JOHN DIVA & THE ROCKETS OF LOVE signed an agreement with SPV / Steamhammer for the release of their the debut album “Mama Said Rock Is Dead” on February 8.
Consisting of all original material inspired by the 1989-1991 US melodic hard rock era, the album was produced by Michael Voss (Mad Max, Michael Schenker).
Smooth melodic riffs, swirling keyboard / synths, and catchy sing-along choruses, John Diva & The Rockets of Love celebrate and take their cues from that mid-80s era of rock when the likes of Van Halen, Whitesnake (the rebooted American version) and Bon Jovi ruled.
Neither the band nor the album wear their influences lightly so when you listen to these guys there is absolutely nothing, and I mean nothing, to suggest the past thirty-five years have actually happened.
The sound, the songs, the riffs, the lyrics, even the names of the band members all suggest we are somewhere midway through 1987.
Overall, and while the aforementioned influences appear, I found “Mama Said Rock Is Dead” similar to Alice Cooper albums from that era; Trash and Hey Stoopid! – uber polished production yet with an underlying grit.
The CD opens with a crack of the whip before leading into the catchy ‘Whiplash’, and is followed by ‘Lolita’ and its total Van Halen feel.
‘Rock n Roll Heaven’ is next up for the bowels of Diva’s musical passions before dual guitars lead us brilliantly into a bit of Whitesnake inspired ‘Wild Life’.
‘Blinded’ & ‘Dance Dirty’ are tracks that could grace any arena stage and will be certain crowd pleasers with their sing-a-long choruses. Rock albums from the ’80s – or inspired by like this one – wouldn’t be the same without a classic ballad and this comes in the form of ‘Just a Night Away’, including acoustics into the mix.
But soon we are brought back to punch ‘n’ pace with the guitar driven ‘Fire Eyes’. one of the highlights here. In the vein of the band Hurricane, this is a killer atmospheric rocker where the guitar work – the solos – are terrific. Yeah, you can laugh loud at the guitarists nick-names in this band; Snake Rocket & J.J. Love – but darn, both are awesome not only technically but in emotion, plus a great set-up sound.
The last 4 tracks are among the best too; the kick ass ‘Get On It’ (think Atomic Playboys), then the fun ‘Long Legs in Leggings’ is pure Kix meets Helix.
‘Toxic’ is another highlight for me, an assassin midtempo hard rocker with some Extreme and Danger Danger / Paul Laine feeling (listen to the monster guitar work too), while “Rocket of Love’ bring the album home in fine form with a catchy, feel good melody which would make Warrant proud.
Sorry, I can’t help, but I love every bit of “Mama Said Rock Is Dead”.
John Diva & The Rockets of Love bring back the ’80s melodic hard rock glory, in songwriting, performance and production.
Musically the band is tight throughout, with fantastic guitar work and vocal harmonies. One of the things I love about this album is the ability to pick the band’s inspirations from the song choices but also making them all very much their own.
Mama is wrong, Rock – or better, ’80s Rock – is still alive and kickin’…
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01. Whiplash
02. Lolita
03. Rock N’ Roll Heaven
04. Wild Life
05. Blinded
06. Dance Dirty
07. Just A Night Away
08. Fire Eyes
09. Get It On
10. Long Legs
11. Toxic
12. Rocket Of Love
John Diva – vocals
Snake Rocket – guitars
J.J. Love – guitars
Remmie Martin – bass
Lee Stingray Jr. – drums
PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.com/Mama-Said-Rock-Dead-Rockets/dp/B07JNZBDXL
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