Sebastian Bach - Kicking and Screaming

With what's probably the best release of his career, Sebastian Bach need no longer be called "former Skid Row frontman".It's gotta be hard trying to reinvent yourself if you're a rocker from back in the day.  Many bands that had success in the 80s/early 90s are still trying to get back in the spotlight again, but it seems they've lost something along the way; the songwrtiting ideas have become stale and it seems like many of these bands just end up going through the motions.  Whether it be for the love of money or the music remains to be seen. 

Sebastian Bach, if you haven't been following his career since the heyday of Skid Row, has been developing himself as a working vocalist in the truest sense. With a stint on Broadway in Phantom of the Opera and on TV in Gilmore Girls, he has proven that he is more than just a one trick pony trying to live off the glory of Skid Row's success from decades ago.  Since his departure from the Skids, Bas has released a few solo efforts that really haven't gone anywhere - until now.  Sebastian's latest, Kicking and Screaming, could be the strongest thing he's released since Slave to the Grind.

Kicking and Screaming shows Bach at the top of his game; he hasn't sounded this strong in years.  Along with Sebastian is his new hotshot guitarist Nick Sterling.  Don't let Sterling's young appearance fool you, because this kid can rip.  The CD starts out by pummeling you with the title track, a mid-tempo rocker driven by one sick-ass riff.  You can tell from the first note that this is going to be a heavy record.  And while the vibe of the record is satisfyingly edgy, it maintains a solid melody throughout.  The whole record isn't all heavy though.  Bach and company have included some stellar ballads like I'm Alive and Dream Forever, making for a very well rounded CD with some good variety with well-written songs that stick with you. 

Bottom Line: The best thing that Sebastian Bach has done in years.  Bach finally leaves the shadow of his former band and has established himself as a solid solo artist.  This is the first of hopefully many more to come.  Easily the best thing to come from Bach - or the Skids - since Slave to the Grind. 

Standout Tracks: Kicking and Screaming, Tunnelvision, I'm Alive and Dream Forever

- Ragman was blown away by how good this one was.  It lived up to the hype.