Metal Caravans

Genre: Hard Rock

TRACKLIST:

01. California Free Ride
02. Look In The Mirror
03. Burning Rain
04. Only Child
05. Under My Skin
06. Strong Man
07. Come To My Party
08. Shake
09. Brass Bed
10. Clear Thoughts
11. Trip The Light

Ever since returning from hibernation a couple of years back, Dirty Looks mainman Henrik Ostergaard has been a man possessed. California Free Ride is the band's second release this year, following on the heels of the 'return-to-form' Superdeluxe. Has Henrik been bitten by the creativity bug, or have these songs been in the works since he first disappeared in the mid-90's? I'm guessing the latter, because no matter how much I try and get into this CD it always feels like Superdeluxe leftovers.
  As usual, Henrik's distinctive Bon Scott inspired vocals are the focal point, and of course he sounds exactly as he always has, singing with conviction and his trademark drunken slur. If you've never experienced Dirty Looks before I suggest you check out "Under My Skin" (one of the better songs on this release). I think this song offers a perfect introduction to the masterful insanity that Henrik Ostergaard has always offered, as when he stops the song and starts mumbling incoherently I can't help but smile.
  There are some cool tunes included here, but Dirty Looks' past has set the bar so high that I'm beginning to wonder if they can ever match their earlier greatness. One thing that might sell California Free Ride to hard rock fans is the heaviness of the entire CD. This is arguably the band's hardest rocking album to date, as they seem to have replaced some of the AC/DC riffage with a hard crunch, likely due to the departure of underrated guitarist Paul Lidel. With that being said, the songs don't come across as instantly memorable as classics like "Oh Ruby", "Blue Tequila" and "Nobody Rides For Free".