From Manchester to Hell! (Witch Of Berkeley Live - A II Z)

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Witch Of Berkeley Live - A II Z
Date:	19/01/09 (26 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots of classic tunes

Disadvantages: Shame this is the band's only real album

Manchester over the year has given the UK a hotbed of talent whether it be the indie bands Oasis and The Stone Roses (90s), The Smiths (80s), Joy Division, Buzzcocks and Slaughter & The Dogs (70s).. one area where midland rivals Birmingham completely outdo them is in the metal scene.

However A II Z, named after the street atlas are a very understated metal band, the vocals very catchy sounding slightly similar to the Ramones lend themself to a unique style of playing, somewhere between hard rock and glam, tracks like "I'm the One Who Loves You" even comes close to sounding like Queen with fairytale lead breaks and piano thrown in, this is what Meatloaf may have sounded like if only he was cool. To debut with a live album is even more unique.

Other tracks like Valhalla Force (my personal fave) is like a punky number with a bit of darkness thrown in and Treason which sounds like hair metal at it's best and similar to the later glam metal scene of LA.

These guys are talented and know how to make a catchy track, if there is one thing that could be criticised then it would be the drumming which is far too basic.

This is the only studio album by the band and it's definitely worth having.

1. No Fun After Midnight
2. Lay Down
3. Walking the Distance
4. Glastonbury Massacre
5. Danger U.X.B.
6. The Witch of Berkeley
7. Last Stand
8. The Romp
9. The King Is Dead
10. No Fun After Midnight
11. Treason
12. Valhalla Force
13. I'm the One Who Loves You
14. Ringside Seat

Summary: Worth having