Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
The scorching vocalist from H.E.A.T and Skid Row bursts out on his own with this stunning solo album.
On Opening track “Born to Break” you can feel the influence of his time treading the boards with a certain Mr Schenker. It has those urgent guitars but this is not about what he has done as much as what has happened to him and how he has dealt with it.
It is obvious from the start this album is about Erik’s journey and this guy has had to deal with more than most so he has has accepted his own humanity and filtered it into an uplifting cry to the world.
The title track is next and has a more Punk energy. Erik states that this song is about owning who you are and not apologising for it and hats off to him, we all fuck up somewhere, don’t hide it…face it head on and in Erik’s point of view sit down and write a riff based monster.
It is not difficult to figure out where “Praying for a Miracle” is placed in Erik’s life. I cannot imagine the lows he has been through and the one thing about pain and despair is that they make for incredible songs, the Blues were built on this.
Like the whole album the guitars are outstanding here and Erik’s voice is sublime on this hair metal masterpiece.
We take a whole different road on “Who’s the Winner”. It kicks off like a Rat Pack classic with the smoky atmosphere and piano tinkling but bursts into life like a Europe chart topping number.
Staccato guitars kick to life on “Lost for Life” and I for one can hear a Billy Idol sneer on Erik’s lips as he sings. The upbeat tempo seems too happy for the lyrics but you have to lovethe line “let every fuck up be a lesson”…words to live by for sure. this is a Pop/Punk beast.
We slip back into MSG guitars on “Twisted Lullaby” and I dare you not to head bang to that opening riff. This track smoulders with power and kicks like a mule.
You have to be at the deepest depths to cry “Save Me” and this song is defiance personified. A thumping beat with Erik fighting like a drowning man trying to make the surface. He has never sounded so powerful, so strong and yet so vulnerable. This song is both beautiful and dark.
After that fight nothing lets up on “Hell and Back”. This kicks off like an off kilter brain that is in turmoil with itself. The song kicks ass, the guitar solo is outstanding and this is another high point on the album.
“How High” is a sleazy mix of Blues and Southern Rock. It has a swagger that wears a dirty old leather jacket and has scuffed cowboy boots. This one is a whole slice of fun and is a complete banger.
The album ends on a beautiful note with “Written in the Scars”. I can only imagine how cathartic writing these songs were for Erik. He probably says more in these songs about his pain that he has ever opened up to anyone. Hats off to the man and thank you for an album that is truly insightful and enlightening.
Erik has walked out from the safety of a band structure and stood squarely in the spotlight holding his flaws, his weakness and his heart out to the listener on “Bad Bones”.
We all knew he was an incredible performer but this album is a foot placed firmly in the ground saying I am here, this is me, love me or hate me and I do not think there will be many in that latter category.
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