Slammin’ Gladys TWO

Welcome back one and all, step right up, we have a special treat for you today! REJOICE, the one and only Slammin’ Gladys will release their 2nd album, entitled TWO, in a few weeks! We’re almost 30 years past the release of their Self-Titled masterpiece, which has been re-mastered and will hopefully see a vinyl press/special cd release – more on that possibility later (FINGERS CROSSED). I actually received this new release (TWO) for review sometime in December, but I had sickness in my immediate family, which ultimately ended in death, so I’m way late on getting to this review. I find it hard to have words on anything after such a soul crushing loss, so bare that in mind if I meander around in my words/thoughts, I won’t mince them, nothing but the truth. The important thing here is that Slammin’ Gladys have returned with a brand new album! Onward to TWO!!

If you’re a fan of the band, you should’ve heard their new single “Dragon Eye Girl” by now, if not, click the link below. It was actually released as a cd single, which is neat, as it featured a few more tunes that were quite rare, given there’s not much SG to be consumed outside of the Self-Titled release. I strongly recommend grabbing it, it should still be available. For me, the single was tough to get into at first, admittedly, I’m not the biggest Funk Metal fan, that wasn’t what brought me to the band to begin with, but that doesn’t mean it’s not great, actually it is, just took me a few listens to soak it all in. The tune is crammed with loads of hooks, funky feels and some serious guitar riffage reminiscent of the late, great Prince. Naturally, Brooks’ vocals are on point, this dude hasn’t lost a step, if anything, he’s better – he sounds as fresh as he did in the early 90’s! As for the rest of the release, as a whole you’re looking at a solid Hard Rock album with shades and traces of all sorts genre’s – Funk, Southern, Pop & naturally some Glam, although it’s more of an adult Glam, if that makes any sense.

Personally, the ballads on the album turn me on the most, it could be my current state of mind, but I really latched on to them the most, then again there are a few mid-paced numbers that move me as well. “Hold Up My Blue Sky” is phenomenal in every way imaginable, big melodies, ear piercing vocals and fantastic musicianship – these guys spare nothing when it comes to music, you can hear that on this tune, they left nothing out. The riffs, melodies and rhythm structures paint the perfect backdrop for Brooks’ lyrics and his insatiable vocals. I’m moved, I wanna move to Arizona or somewhere picturesque where I can see the sky for miles and miles, drink cactus juice and work the land. “Durango” is an incredible ballad – for me, this would be the next single choice off the album, it’s very moving musically and lyrically. It’s not your typical ballad from a band from this era, there’s no oldschool Glam feels to be found, just music, words and truth. Again, I’m moved and several times I’ve been moved to tears listening to this tune.. Whoever and whatever Brooks penned this song about is special, one listen and you’ll hear it – I find that to be so rare these days. Dude wasn’t sitting around trying to write a hit, he put pen to paper and bared his soul for the world to hear. The same can be said of the track “Poison Arrow”, which moves along much in the same manner, another ballad dripping with soul and truth. “Lost in Texas” shows off a little Southern swagger, which is WAY new to me coming from SG, but it works quite well! Farris’ main guitar riff here is pretty damned mean, backed with some sweet harmonica work, it drives the song pretty hard, making it another highlight off the album for me, then again, I’m Southern, never been to Texas, but being from Georgia, I’m quite familiar with all things Southern – I’m in hickville USA, the air is wet, the clay is red and the belt is littered with Bibles. HA! Keeping with the Southern flair leads us to “Ice Water” which is probably the closest thing to Country you’ll ever hear from SG, I wouldn’t call it straight Country, let’s call it Alt.Country like something you’d expect from 90’s Alt. Country Rockers, Cracker. Tons of tasty guitar licks to be soaked up here as well! And just so you know, SG hasn’t forgotten about the Funk Metal fan in you, there’s another Funk tune, “Light Up”. I dig the vibe and everything about it to a point, that point would be where drummer DeBoard takes to rapping in the breakdown. No offense meant to him whatsoever, the song is fantastic, I’m just not a fan of Rap music, but it does have its place and it pairs nicely in the tune, just not exactly my taste, I would’ve preferred more guitar wizardy or a breakdown with some nasty bass slappin’/drum work. Again, the Rap doesn’t trash the song, just my opinion/preference.

Overall Slammin’ Gladys sophomore release, TWO is fantastic! If you’re looking for a continuation of the work they did on the first album, stop right now and don’t go any further, you’ll be disappointed. This is a more well rounded effort from a band that has grown by leaps and bounds and why wouldn’t they, we’re SO far past the 90’s it’s not even funny. We’ve all grown up or at least myself and the band have – I won’t be chopping out lines and tooting them up off this album cover. HA!  Musically, the maturity of SG is really there, it shows in the production, songwriting and the songs themselves. And yes there’s a small part of me that misses the presence of Jani Lane, but I miss the fact that Lane isn’t on this earth with us anymore, period. Slammin’ Gladys has done what many bands from their era have failed so miserably at, they’ve created a beautiful album that shows their growth, creativity, scars and musical prowess – they still have what it takes to put asses in seats and move a crowd! I can only hope that TWO is the beginning of an SG revival – this band has so much to offer the world, even still after all this time. I’ve been moved to tears, I’ve rejoiced, but above all I’ve found joy where I’d had none thanks to this album. I strongly recommend grabbing this album up ASAP!!!! Personally, I’m still holding out hope that it’ll be pressed to vinyl along with their legendary debut.