Lizzy's vox still deafen, though they're tempered as the occasion calls; the players, featuring bassist Martin Anderssen, guitarist Steals, and drummer Joey Scott, pick up and lay down like they've done nothing but listen to Kiss, Cheap Trick, and Aerosmith for the last six years. And while none of those namesakes can be considered outward influences on the album's output, the attitude and delivery are one and the same: "Subculture" is an opening sneer that nods toward The 'Pistols, or nearly anything the Damned put out in their infancy; "Won't Back Down" is a Pop-inflected hit single of a song that's sing along or scream worthy; "What's Your Damage" is the slowly building sleeper tune with the AC/DC hook that'll get no exposure yet everyone who owns the album will dig; the title track is a catchy, up-tempo acoustic/electric ballad with an arena-sized chorus that decries destruction of property over drinking in one's tears -- refreshing; "Bad Machine" is a highway cruising closer built on low chording and reverb, successfully catching the throat of the garage/punk style with both hands, before proclaiming.. "No, we're NOT L.A. Guns-- but we damn sure do 'em well enough if we fucking want to!"
Starwood's not KISS, Cheap Trick, nor Guns 'N Roses-- then again, neither of the first two were either when they started-- and there's only one G n' R, and even they don't know who they are anymore. But there's plenty of room for undernourished bands preaching the almighty power of the chord rather than political agendas and pouty-lipped teen drama. So if it ain't broke-- buy it!