From: RockReport.com
MONKEYHEAD
Monkeyhead
2001 Frontiers/Now & Then
melodic hard rock
studio album
11 tracks - TT 50:22
86/100 (86/100 average)

Earlier this year I considered Arabia to be one of the hottest new acts to appear on the melodic rock scene and while I still stand by what I've said, I can now officially announce that Monkeyhead has snatched up top honors in that particular category.
Formed in late '95, this energetic heavy rock quartet consists of guitarist Jason Hook, vocalist Simon Davies, bass player Paul Bartel and drummer Steve O and together they've come up with an album that simply oozes with quality melodic hard rock in the vein of Dokken, Warrant, Winger, Trixter and Southgang. First track "The One That Makes You Crazy" is a gorgeous rocker with Dokken inspired guitar playing and some great lyrics.

Both guitarist Jason and vocalist Simon immediately impress with their soaring deliveries, the latter falling in somewhere between Trixter's Pete Loran, Slik Toxic's Nicholas Walsh and former Skid Row throat Sebastian Bach. Next up is the album's most modern sounding track "Dragon Fly". A mid tempo affair that reaches into Winger territory on more than a few occasions. On "Guns Of July" the band tackles the subject of a young boy killing himself with daddy's gun. A thought-provoking subject that comes dressed in a highly melodic package and a killer chorus.

"Temptation" is a gentle acoustic led piece and the first of the album's 3 big ballads. A very catchy pop song and the best comparison I can make here is Trixter circa their first album. Track five is the funk lined "Anything For Money", that once again sees mister Hook spiralling loops of barbed axe work around Simon's impressive vocals. Standout cut "Adriana" is an arena-sized rocker with a Warrant-like intro, which soon builds into a monster guitar riff. This gem has a massive chorus and is destined to be a live favourite. The big, fat stomp of the sensuous "Bow To Your Master" and "Stark Raving Mad" continue the party in style. Ballad number 2 is served up with the Bon Jovish "Only You" before a barrage of riffs and pounding drums lead into "Morphine". The album ends on an emotional note with the hauntingly beautiful "All My Friends In Heaven".

Everything about this album feels right and my only advice to you is to buy, beg, borrow or steal but make sure you get your hands on at least one copy!

(Peter Schoonooghe - August 9, 2001)
http://www.monkeyheadmusic.com