Fear the Night Rider

Galloping with skull held high across the now fully bloomed new wave of traditional heavy metal landscape is Dallas's Night Rider, a recent Texas duo and purveyor of rousingly catchy and upbeat, if not heavier, Ezra Brooks meets early Spell style jams, with partial exception in rain and wind swept, horse neighing/church bell clanging, minute long instrumental "Stroke Of Midnight". Following inoffensive trip, Zack and Jordan duly let 'er rip with "We Ride" and "Fear The Night Rider".

Zack's fluid and comprehensible vocals hint of Colorado's Lightning Wizards, a band which soared classically and pentatonically, albeit none-too-ballsily. The guitars riffs are simple but downright rocking; experienced leads, particularly on "Persistence", mislead us into thinking this southern nocturnal cruiser is much more advanced in its becloaked, rock-out quest. Randomly, I dig the main riff to "Divine Goddess", as it sounds like a radical spin off Night Demon's "Black Widow".

Later, "Hell Armada" tricks us into believing it's a love paean thrown in for romantic kicks...until a festively grooving and pirate/power-metallish, alternately picked guitar jingle presages ska level of happy-go-lucky vibes I've no gripe with. My lone petulant complaint lies in production's emphasis on the higher instruments - though with no bass disadvantage, which is tangential and innovative in its own domain - whilst the singing could be dialed back, a bit lower in the mix. The guitar tone also lacks heft, but overall, fans of further Canadians Freeways will also want on to sit on this (and maybe rotate).

From then, it's all systems go with the punky and somewhat Collective Soul evoking "Permanent Personality", a track where the battery unveils its powers, notwithstanding another fantastic lead. A serene bridge section lifts spirits until "Wow" worthy return to winning form. At this point, my condolences for the play by play, but almost each song slays. "On The Hunt" shuffles its pumping way amidst Ernest Hemingway inspired Safari theme. Normally heroic (Rogue Lords) assassin "Lilith", for her momentum crashing part, dallies to most balladic sentiment. Thankfully, lead guitar is none the wiser.

(1970 called, they want their AM radio staple back.)

Never mind final indiscretion; as with any guilty pleasure, Night Rider's Fear The Night Rider is nothing to fear.