BRAD GILLIS - ALLIGATOR

'Alligator' is Brad Gillis' second solo release outside the ranks of his other interest Night Ranger. Brad is one half of the respected lead guitar duet in that group [the other half being Jeff Watson] and before this did time with Rubicon and fulfilled tour dates with Ozzy Osbourne after the tragic death of Randy Rhoads. Throughout 9 recordings with Night Ranger through the 80's and 90's he has built a following of both guitar fans and more general rock fans. 'Alligator' saw a Japanese release last year but until now had not been available in Europe or the US. Frontiers Records has made the album available in both these territories at a far more reasonable price. The album is not too far removed from the style of Night Ranger, although it is probably a little grittier and bluesier with a more modern edge displayed on a number of tracks. Combining Brad's guitar work with the quality vocals of Gary Moon 'Alligator' is an enjoyable slice of at times commercial hard rock.

1. ALLIGATOR [5.16]
A wah drenched delta blues riff opens the track before the band kicks in with a more powerful version of the catchy motif. The track then travels into raw rock areas with its powerful chorus, which sounds a little like the title music to kids comedy show - "Sister Sister" - honest! The tracks is not the strongest on offer on the album but it has enough charm to maintain your interest to travel further.

2. BIGGER THAN LIFE [5.14]
A pop soaked track that comes across as a mix of Slaughter and Bar 7. The chorus is very commercial and the acoustic guitar leading throughout gives the track a good classic feel. The verses are a little more downbeat but still have bags of melody. Back to the chorus and it sounds remarkably like Slaughter's 'Days Gone By' from 'The Wild Life' album whilst also possessing Beatles-esque harmonized vocals. A good catchy track however.

3. HEART SHAPED WINGS [4.48]
An upbeat power ballad that could be an outtake from the 80's. Classic melodies, impassioned vocals and solid backing from all involved. Sounds similar to the feel displayed recently on albums like 'Stuart Smith - Heaven & Earth'. Good quality songwriting that whilst maybe nothing new does enough to satisfy.

4. SURVIVE [4.30]
A track that is more instrumental than vocal. Brad takes the lead vocal [one of his first] but the winner of this track is his guitar work. A charming almost new-age like melody line is a good basis for the track to be set. Brad's vocals sound a bit like Roger Waters of Pink Floyd to me and suit the track well, but the guitar work should please fans of Vai or Satriani.

5. CIRCLE OF LIGHT [5.16]
'Circle Of Light' is a much more modern sounding affair, stomping in similar territory to U2 or latter day 'The Mission'. Industrial style sounds underpin the track [mixed back in the track] and the dark haunting vibe of the track make the dark vibe come to the fore.

6. EYES [5.46]
The tempo picks up for the 'Eyes', a pulsating slice of hard rock that recalls the best moments of Billy Idol. Gary Moon's vocals are excellent here and the chorus has a hard rocking exuberance that screams class. Brad's guitar is upfront and the result is a track that stands as one of the best on offer. 2 mins in and its time for Brad's first real guitar showcase on the album, creating mock jungles type noises [previously done by Eddie Van Halen], feedback, odd harmonics and other tricks over another mock industrial type backing. Whilst this may sound not in keeping with the previous feel of the track it works extremely well and makes the track stand out even more. A more standard type guitar solo leads back into another storming bridge and chorus - stunning!

7. CHAIN GANG [4.35]
Another modern sounding rock tracks that seems to fuse Satriani-ish guitar licks with modern backing ala Radiohead. Brad takes the mic again but this time sound much stronger - despite being covered with a distorted effect. 'Chain Gang' would appease modern day alternative rock fans but the classic rock undertones make it enjoyable for us more selective bunch.

8. STILL [4.50]
A moody style piece that blends eastern textures with more U2 style backing mixed with the vocal style of Andrew Eldritch [Sisters Of Mercy], this shows that Gary Moon has a very adaptable voice. A good track but overall it a little too long for my tastes.

9. TANBARK TYRANT [4.43]
The sole instrumental track on the album. 'Tanbark Tyrant' has a good strong melody over an almost African feeling backing. Brad's guitar work is as strong as usual and he throws in all his famous guitar tricks [notably his trademark whammy bar up bends]. A good track but it comes across as more of a filler than anything else.

10. LEAP OF FAITH [3.48]
The album closes for one of the most intense tracks on the album. Not as much fun as 'Eyes' and again possessing a more modern tone it is however a strong closer. Gary Moon delivers his most aggressive vocals on the album over the crunchy riffs and Gillis lays down one of his best solos on the album - although it is far too brief - a good way to close the album.

'Alligator' is a fine album from Brad Gillis and is enjoyable. However, it seems to lack enough killer tracks to make it a winner. Most of the tracks are strong but seem to need a little more to truly make them hit home. Their are a few glorious moments though with 'Eyes' likely to make the end of year lists, and if the album had a few more moments like this then it would truly be great. Brad does have an impressive arsenal of players around him and Gary Moon has a strong versatile voice, but the slightly modern nature of some of the songs leaves me liking it maybe not as much as I would if they weren't present. Overall a strong release that shows Gillis is well able of making outside the ranks of Night Ranger.

RATING
7.6

HOT SPOTS: Bigger Than Life, Eyes, Leap Of Faith.
BOTTOM LINE: Competent enough, Gillis fans will be satisfied.

Review By Andy Craven
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