HEAD EAST – Raise A Little Hell (CD-only release)
Originally from East Central Illinois, HEAD EAST were one of a number of American hard rock bands that enjoyed success in the Midwest whilst massive recognition eluded them on the East and West coasts, and during the ’70s their name was uttered alongside the likes of Styx, Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon. Along the ’80s the band delivered a bunch of lovable pompy, keyboard driven rockin’ AOR albums ala Journey, which I still enjoy.
Currently the group may be down to just one original member (keyboardist Roger Boyd), but the live, raise a little hell attitude is alive and well within the band.
Hence the title of Head East’s last self-released album; “Raise A Little Hell“.
Head East was, is and will always remain a living example of the live energy that their era of Rock and Roll is famous for. “Raise A Little Hell”, recorded live, is a perfect example of how they helped write the book on feel good, dancing in the aisles rock concerts.
Head East today comprises Boyd, Greg Manahan (bass), Glen Bridger (lead guitar), Eddy Jones (drums) and Darren Walker on lead vocals who brings to remembrance the attitude of a young Steve Perry.
While having only one original member is not unheard of in this day and age, what is rare is that the band, live, sounds so close to the original. “Raise A Little Hell” is pure late Sseventies / early Eighties melodic hard rock with ‘that’ classic feel.
The album premiers a brand new song (“Say Yeah!”) written by Darren Walker and Head East favorites including the anthem “There’s Never Been Any Reason”, which is one of FM Rock radio’s all time classic songs, and “Jefftown Creek” featuring a special guest appearance by Steve Huston (original Head East drummer and vocalist) who adds his vocal talents to this timeless hit.
“Getting Lucky” and “Get Up & Enjoy Yourself”are great upbeat and positive tunes that keep the listener’s toes a tapping. “Me & My Whiskey” bring out the harder rock side of the band, while the big radio-ready “Love Me Tonight” turn the lighters in the air on.
This show showcases the best the band has to offer, plus a wonderful remake of Canadian band Trooper with “Raise a Little Hell”. Elsewhere the music keeps coming at you and, as the crowd cheers prove, the band are kicking ass and taking names in this Century too.
If you dig the classic melodious ’80s sounds ala Journey, REO Speedwagon, Thrills, Le Roux, etc, “Raise A Little Hell” is for you.
Roger Boyd is determined to keep the music he loves alive as he states; “As long as I can lift my synthesizer over my head and the audience goes wild, we’ll keep rockin’ on!”
Head East are still rocking and, indeed, raising a little hell on this one!
01 – One Night
02 – Getting Lucky
03 – Get Up & Enjoy Yourself
04 – Love Me Tonight
05 – Say Yeah
06 – Raise A Little Hell
07 – Me & My Whiskey
08 – Jefftown Creek
09 – Prisoner
10 – Since You’ve Been Gone
11 – There’s Never Been A Reason
12 – Elijah
Darren Walker – Lead Vocals and Bass Guitar
Roger Boyd – Keyboards and Vocals
Glen Bridger – Lead Guitar and Vocals
Eddie Jones – Drums and Vocals
Greg Manahan – Bass, Rhythm Guitars and Lead Vocals
Steve Huston – Lead Vocals on ‘Jefftown Creek’
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www.amazon.co.uk/Raise-Little-Hell-Head-East/dp/B00BDSREBQ
