ST JAMES AMERICAN MAN Metal Mayhem Music Produced by: Jamie St. James Released: OUT NOW / Website Relatives: Black N Blue, Aerosmith, Michael Monroe GENRE: Hard Rock

OVERALL: 74%

Testify Generation Suicide Deaf, Dumb and Blind Hello Halo Magical Taxi Cab Losing Your Man Spinnin' Die Like A Star American Man Light Of Love Aliens	This is a new solo/side project from ex Black N Blue frontman Jamie St James. To say this is a low budget release would probably be fair, as things sound pretty rough and certainly raw. I would say that this is almost a live in the studio affair, with minimal over dubs. But that isn't a bad thing, there's a lot of atmosphere to this record, you just have to be aware this isn't a major label release! Jamie sounds is as good as voice as ever, delivered with virtually no harmony of backing vocal support. Like I said, this is a raw rock record! The songs of St James are no nonsense, guitar driven, groove filled rockers, with touches of organ and the occasional keyboard. There's the natural comparisons to Black N Blue of course, but the bio also suggests some Aerosmith. Sure, can't argue with that, but it's the funked up early blues Aerosmith, not their 80's/90's stadium personality. I get the occasional vibe that fans of Michael Monroe's solo work might get a kick out of this, as both have that raw, live, blues punk feel to them.
BOTTOM LINE: It won't appeal to all fans of Black N Blue, but if you particularly dug Jamie's style and sound, then this should hit the spot. A second warning must be issued for the production style of the album - this is very stripped back, very plain live in the studio rock n roll. If a bit of good fun blues rock n roll is your thing, then check out this album.
PRODUCTION: 65%	SONGS: 79%	VIBE: 75%	ATTITUDE: 79%
ESSENTIAL FOR: Most Black N Blue fans.