Razamanaz - Razamanaz (2003)

TRACKLIST:



Artist : Razamanaz
Artist Origin : USA
Release Title : Razamanaz
Release Year : 2003
Artist Genre : Hard Rockl
File Type : mp3 320

Info:

Razamanaz is a fairly unknown project by Britny Fox guitarist Michael Kelly Smith (real name: Michael Schermick) during a hiatus from Brinty Fox in the 90's. The band was formed in 1993. Smith recruited a motley crew band of singer/guitarist Cory Massi, bass player Joe Bisbing, and drummer Steve Attig. The band played shows and recorded songs for a handful of tribute CDs but never formerly released an album of songs. This self-titled collection on Perris Records is a collection of those tribute tracks, some finished original Razamanaz compositions and some unfinished demos.
The band's sound is most certainly derrived from their 1970's heros with a nod to the raspy 80's metal that Smith is known for with Britny Fox. Vocalist Cory Massi has a definite 80's feel with a great vocal range mixed with inspiration from Steven Tyler to Bon Scott. At times he also reminds me of Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys/Broken Teeth fame. The first two tracks, and especially "Feel It" have that classic AC/DC vibe. However, the albums shining moment is album opener "Urgency", and upbeat rocker that easily could have been a hit for Britny Fox or Cinderella had it been recorded in 1987 instead of 1993. "In the Dust" is another short, straight forward rocker with a hooky chorus. "Make You Mine" is the obligatory ballad, and it a bluesy number that might have been at home on a Jackyl album. I also dug the bluesy "Swamp Slide/Bad Feelin' Blues" which features an excerpt of Jimi Henrix's "Red House".