Skid Row - United World Rebellion (2013)

Whilst browsing the old interweb last week, I came across a new EP by the once mighty Skid Row. As soon as I saw the name my heart sank. Even though I have been unfortunate enough to have heard the post-Bach material, I still decided to give it a listen. So, I pressed play and with a heavy heart, waited for another small part of my youth to die - awaited the inevitable disappointment.

But here's the thing. It never came. The opener "Kings Of Demolition" came and went, leaving me very pleasantly surprised. This wasn't just a decent track. No. It was a good track. More importantly, it was a good Skid Row track, which wouldn't have been out of place on "Slave To The Grind" (In fact the opening vocals reminded my quite a lot of "Livin' On A Chain Gang"). Everything, from the classic Sabo / Hill guitars to Johnny Solinger's powerful vocals are classic Skid Row. "Promising", I probably thought.

Surely this was a fluke, I hear you say?! Well, no. That's the thing. Forget any pre-comceptions and even misgivings you might rightly have - The next 4 tracks keep the momentum (and quality level) up. The last track "Stitches" stuck right in my head and has been there ever since.

When the EP had finished a few thoughts went through my mind. First and foremost was "Why is this an EP?" A few more tracks and this would have been the comeback album us Skid Row fans have been hoping for...our hopes fading with each passing year and album. This is Skid Row rebooted, rejuvinated, re-energised (and any other "re" words you fancy adding). A return to form if ever I've heard one.

There honestly isn't a weak track here - horrible lyrics/clichéd subject matter of "Let's Go" aside. Even the obligatory / typical / obvious Skid Row power ballad "This Is Killing Me" isn't anywhere near as bad as it probably should be in 2013. Everything is delivered with energy and the attitude that I used to associate with the band pre-'95. Why it has taken them this long to cut the crap and get to the point? To be frank, I really don't know. Better late, than never I suppose. Sadly though, despite the fact that this is a great release, it's probably a case of the old "too little, too late". The fan base the band once has has dwindled to a few die hards. Something they only have themselves to blame for to be fair. Maybe this release can turn the tide? I genuinely hope so.

The bottom line is that this is one step closer to redemption for the band and their long-suffering fans. If they can keep this up, they could pull off one of the greatest comebacks in rock history - Of course they will never shift millions of units again. Those days are gone for the genre that Skid Row play and for music in general in this era of illegal downloads, YouTube and Spotify, but they can certainly be proud of themselves again.

If you ever been a fan of the band, this is well worth your time...even if you just want a nostalgia kick  If you haven't, well then this probably isn't for you. Either way, I have my copy on order and am now eagerly awaiting the follow up EP / full length release.

Welcome back, lads. The last 18 years are (almost) forgiven.

"Kings Of Demolition"