Album Reviews :: Starwood: IF IT AIN'T BROKE, BREAK IT! [METAL BLADE RECORDS]

Now that the nu-metal boom has gone bust, in a frantic search for the next ‘trend’ in the rock music world, record labels are attempting to promote bands that play ‘good old’ rock n’ roll — with bands like Velvet Revolver, Brides of Destruction, and The Darkness at the forefront of the ‘movement.’ Metal Blade Records’ Starwood falls in more or less the same category.

With a sound inspired by ‘70s bands like Cheap Trick and Kiss, the songs on Starwood’s debut album ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Break It!’ are essentially what could be termed as straight-up rock n’ roll, laced with a strong punk/pop feel. Vocalist Lizzy Borden does a great job, and with all the other band members providing background vocals, the songs have a certain anthemic charm to them.

The album kicks off with “Subculture”, which acts as a perfect, energetic album opener. Right from the first verse itself (“I don’t wanna be no President / I don’t wanna be no government / I don’t need to pray to no monument / I play my stolen guitar in a cold basement”), the song is any rebel’s delight, and sports some neat, sparkling guitar work, courtesy lead guitarist Joe Steals. Other standout songs include “All My Girlfriends Have Boyfriends”, “What’s Your Damage”, and the title track. “Backlash” sports a typical punk feel to it.

All-in-all, ‘If It Ain’t Broke, Break It!’ is a good, solid rock n’ roll album, something which does not come by very often these days, and keeping in mind that it’s a debut effort, it is very impressive indeed. The album provides a throwback to the time when rock music was all about fun, and before all the depression crept in. I would recommend this album to anyone who enjoys ‘80s arena rock.