REVIEW: Union, The Blue Room (Spitfire)
- Linda Scott
Union won the best new band award from "Metal Edge" in 1998. With The Blue Room, Union releases its sophomore effort (not counting a live album). When you hear this traditional rock and roll band, you wonder how can these guys be so good so fast? Check out the band members for the answer: Bruce Kulick, ex-Kiss lead guitarist, on guitars and vocals, plus John Corabi, ex-Motley Crue on vocals and guitar. Between them there is twenty years of experience. Kulick performed with Kiss for 12 years and was let go when the original Kiss reformed for a makeup covered reunion. Corabi was with the Crue till the original band re-formed there. It must be some consolation that Union sounds better than either of the two reunion bands.
The Blue Room is first and foremost a classic rock album but with a touch of metal, a touch of blues, and some terrific lyrics. The band claims as its influences the giants of rock: The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Aerosmith. Some songs are distinctly Beatle-esque, both in the music and the lyrics. Most are just the heart of the great rock bands pounding behind Union's backbeat.
The album leads off with "Do Your Own Thing," the first single. It's so catchy, it'll play in your head all day. Jamie Hunting on bass and Brent Fritz on drums are standouts on this number. "Everything's Alright" is one of those with The Beatles' influence. Great harmonies and backing vocals on this one. Kulick shows his guitar wizardry, and Corabi sounds great. A standout cut! "Dear Friend" is Kulick's lyrical and vocal tribute to Eric Carr, friend and Kiss drummer, who succumbed to cancer in 1991. Kulick says goodbye to his bandmate, and the song moves on with him to a rocking finish. In yet another style, "No More" is an angry song from Corabi on social issues such as school homicides, the environment, etc. Corabi has a young son and is disgusted with the state the world is in. This kind of social indictment isn't often seen anymore on rock or other albums. Corabi snaps out the lyrics, drums and bass emphasize and Kulick pounds it all home. An exceptional end to the album.
There haven't been many true rock albums lately, but The Blue Room is in the classic rock style. If you have been missing rock, it will be coming around on February 22 with The Blue Room's release. When Union tours in support of their album, why not check them out? They are playing clubs, so you get an inexpensive rock evening, and you get to meet and greet the band after the show. Just seeing the legendary Bruce Kulick would make it all worth while. Stand by for that single, "Do Your Own Thing," and visit the band at: http:\\UnionAsylum.com
