FASTWAY

How many times have you read a review in which the riff described was referenced as something reminiscent of Fast Eddie Clarke's work in MOTÖRHEAD or in some cases FASTWAY? His axe tone and the little things he does, like the twist at the end or a riff or a certain way that the run is nuanced, can be heard in the playing of numerous rock and metal guitarists over the last few decades. You've seen him pop up more often this past decade, including his appearance as a guest player at MOTÖRHEAD's special "Live at Brixton Academy" performance or in interviews about the legendary trio's run of classic albums "Ace of Spades", "Bomber", "Overkill", and "Iron Fist". But we've heard not heard a new FASTWAY album since 1990. The wait is over, folks. New album "Eat Dog Eat" has arrived and it is a great one from top to bottom.

Eleven tracks of blues based hard rock, "Eat Dog Eat" fills the void with a slew of hot new riffs from Clarke and multiple memorable cuts featuring a singer with power and soul in Toby Jepson (ex-LITTLE ANGELS),also credited with bass and acoustic guitar, and an ace drummer in Matt E."Deliver Me" and "Leave the Light On" are the standouts, the former a steady, big bottomed number with a fat Clarke riff and bluesy vocal from Jepson that is steeped in the British rock tradition, the latter a cut that struts with filth 'n fire. Standouts though they may be, there isn't a bum cut to be found here. In addition to Clarke's marvelous licks and leads, Jepson's bass playing is highlighted on several tracks, not the least of which includes "Do You Believe" and one with a modern sheen and catchy chorus called "Fade Out". Also notable for its blend of the old and new school is a keeper called "On and On". Another supremely catchy cut is "Sick as a Dog", which is also noteworthy for its sharp MOTÖRHEAD-esque riff. "Only if you Want It" is the quintessential feel-good track, while the six-minute "Dead and Gone" is a smashing success as a two-sided acoustic/electric gem, its second half exploding in Clarke's six-string boogie.

"Eat Dog Eat" is a FASTWAY album that you will want to hear in its entirety each and every time you play. That's a guarantee. Once "Eat Dog Eat" launches with opener "Deliver Me" you'll remain engrossed all the way through closer "Only if you Want it". Calling it a welcome return is an understatement. Get it now!