Singer Dave Fanz and guitarist Jozey originally formed this Akron group last year as a "fun cover band" and that might be where its talents are best applied. This collection of original material simply sounds too rooted in the hair metal days of the past and comes off as derivative. Even the operatic opening tune, "Welcome to the Realm," which leads into the Ratt-like "One More Round," makes for a cheesy intro. Songs such as "Don't Cha" and the title track have solid riffs and hooks but sound incredibly dated. Since forming last year, these guys have become the go-to opening act when bands such as Bang Tango, Faster Pussycat, Tuff, Bullet Boys and L.A. Guns come to town. Engineer Brian Haskins did a remarkable job of recording these tunes at the Sound Shack in Hartville, but there's only so much you can do with material like this. — Jeff Niesel
L.A. Knights performs at 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at the Tap House in Akron.
