ALBUM REVIEW – L.A. Guns – Checkered Past

The new studio album from L.A, Guns sees Tracii Guns, Phil Lewis, and co continuing with the darker lyrical tone of ‘The Devil You Know’ and ‘The Missing Peace’ whilst adding a little Classic Rock and a touch or more Metallic fare into the sleazy 80’s mix. Heck, there’s even room for a dabble with blues and boogie alongside the meat of the album which both manages to recapture the magic of those first albums whilst still allowing the band  to spread their wings. Of the three records since reformation things just keep getting better and much as I loved ‘The Devil You Know’ and ‘The Missing Peace’ – ‘Checkered Past’ is the one that really nails it for me.

Opening with the fire and swagger of ‘Cannonball’ which really captures the intensity of the early albums you’re right there front of stage as L.A. Guns remind you what they do best; and whilst ‘Bad Luck Charm’ immediately adds a contrast – going for a rich Bluesy crawl and ‘Living Right Now’ adds a Punky, Sleazy, fist-pumping rabble-rouser to the mix, it’s ‘Get Along’ the light breezy ballad that really rounds out that opening salvo and shows you the diversity of the new record.

‘If It’s Over Now’ has a dark psychedelic vibe and contrasts beautifully with the more Metallic and spiteful ‘Better Than You’ that follows hot on the heels. It’s really only the mid-tempo ‘Knock Me Down’ that doesn’t immediately click; but we’re back on track with the vintage L.A. Guns sleaze of ‘Dog’ and the slow build of the moody ‘Let You Down.’

Penultimate track ‘That Ain’t Why’ has a wonderfully familiar groove and is another highlight for me; whilst closer ‘Physical Itch’ closes with a song closer to Black Sabbath that you might expect from the band! It’s an interesting way to close another fine album. This new journey just keeps getting better!

8.5 / 10

Guns, Lewis, and bassist Johnny Martin, guitarist Ace Von Johnson, and drummer Scot Coogan will hit the road in support of the album with announcements coming soon about more dates. Road dogs that they are, the band is itching to get back out on the road and showcase these songs in the environment they so love, the live stage.