Attitude
Hard Rock Saloon

Self-producing in 2014 seems to have become almost a norm in the alternative scene, to the point that many well-known and lesser-known bands are opting for this solution. Among these are the Attitude, hard rock band that, after an EP (“Sex Attitude & Rock ’n’ Roll”) and a debut album that went under the radar (“Autodistruzione”), finally arrive at the much-anticipated release of “Hard Rock Saloon,” an album produced in the Turin studios of Cry Excess' singer, Jaxon Vex.

Entirely proposed in their native language (a choice that is understandable if – as often happens – there’s a tendency to Italianize the English language, ending up making a fool of oneself) this production showcases both the strengths and weaknesses of a musical genre that now has little left to offer in terms of novelty. On the one hand, we find a band loaded like a spring that is eager to do well and present itself to the large audience with all its energy, alternating highly animated passages with softer ones (as tradition would suggest).

Between the two parts, it is certainly the first that stands out, much more incisive and well-conceived compared to the high-melodic scenarios that do not perform as they should. Some well-conceived examples are “Vivo tra le fiamme” and “Rudy’s garage," effective mainly due to the good work done in the rhythmic sections and the vocal parts. As mentioned before, “Attitude” shows both the good and bad of presenting hard rock music, also highlighting the classic flaws of those who venture into this type of sound. If you’re looking for something “new,” well, set your heart at ease and move on peacefully. In this album, you may find some diversions towards punk-rock or heavier scenarios, but certainly through solutions that you have all heard and re-heard to the point of exhaustion.

It's not due to a lack of ideas by the band, but simply the structural limits of a genre that hasn't been able to evolve from the '90s to today, except by venturing into chart-topping pop-rock territories. This is certainly the greatest limitation of the album, which, as mentioned before, is definitely well-conceived and genuine enough but doesn't offer anything more than what has already been heard. For those who love this type of music, all this might suffice, but for more demanding listeners, this might seem like a limitation. The hard judgment is yours; at the same time, if you are devotees of what was done by Kiss, AC/DC, Motley Crue, and similar, these Attitude might almost please you.