Rough Edge: Cream Pie CD Reviews

CREAM PIE

"Dirty Job" (Self-produced; 2008)

Reviewed by Metal Mark

So far, 2008 has been a good year for heavy metal but not as impressive for hard rock. I have heard some good demos, but not a whole lot of really interesting full-length albums. Italy's Cream Pie, however, seem to have done enough to really earn some notice on this, their debut album.

European bands summoning up 1980s Sunset Strip style glam is nothing new these days as bands seem to be popping up constantly. Cream Pie obviously recognized the fact that genuine hooks and a solid rock backbone go a long ways. So, while some bands may be throwing a great deal into their image, these guys dug their heels in deep and obviously practiced their chops enough to construct some head bobbing tunes.

The sound is overall more of a mix between old and new as I hear acts like Motley Crue, Faster Pussycat and early LA Guns, but also there are glimpses of bands like Crashdiet and Vains of Jenna as well. If you listen hard enough, there is a slight punk rock edge lurking down underneath the surface on a few songs. The vocals are raw and maybe a little like Taime Down at times.

Cream Pie are slightly heavier than a number of younger hard rock bands trying to put their feet in the door these days. The sound here is a bit more like the grittier glam of the mid-1980s than it is like the fluffier, more radio friendly glam of, say, 1989-1991. There are a few songs that get a little bogged down by repetitive riffs and lack of movement, but the majority of the material plugs along with enough attitude.

With "Dirty Job," Cream Pie have proven they can work up a collection of songs that identifies them as one of the better young hard rock bands of today.

For more information, check out http://www.myspace.com/creampieblue.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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