Black Rose were/are a band from the Teesside area of the North East of England and were part of the so called NWOBHM movement. Starting out at the round the same time as Iron Maiden, Diamond Head and particular Def Leppard, this CD is a compilation of material from two studio albums and several demo’s and ep’s that the band recorded between 1982-1988.  The full story of the band is included in the detailed liner notes, along with some photographs from the era. Boy I’m glad to see I’m not the only one with photographs that the kids can say, "Did you really wear that?" Still it was the 80’s, check out the bands website  www.blackrose-rockband.co.uk to see what I mean... 

As I stated at the start of the show the band were part of the NWOBHM  movement and the first eight tracks on the CD are from this era of the band  and it shows as Black Rose come across as a blend Of Iron Maiden and Diamond Head, especially on the first couplet of songs culled from their debut single. By the time of the debut album however, from which tracks 5-8 are taken, the bands sound has a lot more in common with Def Leppard circa On Through The Night,  great guitar driven songs with extended guitar interplay and solos. However this is where the albums major downfall lies and this applies to all the material on this release. This downfall has nothing to do with the songs or performances. The material is now 20-25 years old and was recorded on a limited budget. A lot of the tracks were recorded at the home of Neat Metal, namely Impulse Studios, in Wallsend. Now Impulse Studio was never the most state of the art facility as I know from my numerous visits, well it was only 300 yards from my high school, and this first batch of songs clearly show the limitations of the source recordings. 

By the time of the second album, 'Walk It As You Talk It', represented by tracks 9-12 here, the American influence was being felt and the band had matured/evolved into a more MHR sounding band with the addition of a guitarist/keyboard player. In particular Y&T prove a good reference point for Black Rose at this stage. The release of this album looked set to propel the band into the 'Big Time'. Unfortunately any such hopes were scuppered  by an American band also called Black Rose who served a writ on the band over the use of the name. This knocked the wind out of the sails of Teeside's Black Rose and, after a couple of demo’s (featured here on tracks 13-15) the band called it a day in 1989. This untimely demise was arguably much too early as the material on offer throughout this compilation shows genuine growth and maturity in the songwritting department. Luckily for fans however the release of this retrospective sees the band reunited and working on a well over due third album. 

To sum up then, band main man Steve Bardsley can write a decent tune and if your fan of NWOBHM I can heartily recommend the first half of the album albeit given the sound limitations mentioned. Conversley if your more a fan of MHR the second half of the album is for you.  Not bad at all for a bunch of Smoggies!

Let us know your views on 'Bright Lights Burnin''

Track List

No Point Runnin'
Sucker For Your Love
Red Light Lady
We're Gonna Rock You
Boys Will Be Boys
Stand Your Ground
Fun & Games
Baby Believe Me
Party Animal
California USA
E.Z.L.Y
Walk It How You Talk It
Wanted
Bright Lights Burnin'
Want Your Love

Line Up

Steve Bardsley Vocals/Guitar
Chris Watson - Guitar
Martyn Rajin - Bass
Mal Smith - Drums
Mick Thompson - Bass
Pat O’Neil - Guitars
Gary Todd - Guitar/Keyboards
Barry Yeovil - Drums