Modern music, (and more specifically hard rock) has been in a very bad place for a long time. There has been little released in the past decade that has given me much hope that rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well… Then I received the new Taking Dawn CD and in one instant my hope was restored. What I love about Taking Dawn is they are not afraid to rock hard and take names. Hailing from Las Vegas these modern day rockers have all the glitz and glamour present in their music that the Sin City they come from has. It is apparent these guys are influenced by early 80’s glam metal but are not to be mistaken as an 80’s “wannabe” knock off band. They let their 80’s inspiration be known in the music with shredding guitar solos and anthems that get stuck in your head for days but they also have a sound that is modern and a flavor all their own.
“Time To Burn” is Taking Dawn’s debut full length CD on Roadrunner Records. From it’s opening anthemic title track to the concluding and inspiring re-make of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” this CD kicks you in the keister and leaves you on the floor saying, “Thank you may I have another!” What I LOVE about this CD are the harmonic guitar solos (which seems to be quickly becoming a lost art) present on nearly every song. The highlights of the CD are the Skid Row mixed with a hint of Motley Crue inspired fist pumping song “Fight ‘em With Your Rock” and the “chorus getting stuck in your head” title track “Time To Burn.”
Taking Dawn “Time To Burn” is a pure fun hard rock CD! Fans of 80’s metal will enjoy this CD and hopefully a new generation of musicians will be inspired to get back to their roots f rocking hard and playing with passion. I think the words of guitarist/vocalist Chris Babbett define exactly what “Time to Burn” is all about, “We’re not trying to write other people’s songs. We’re trying to write songs that kick your (butt) but have a vintage feel.” I think that has been accomplished Mr. Babbit and it has been done well.
