Here we go again with another slice of forgotten glam in the form of San Francisco's Murder Bay, and yet again we see what party poopers Nirvana and the like really were.

In 1990, Murder Bay were seemingly the next big thing; laying down a demo with a young Eric Valentine (who would go on to work with Slash, QOTSA and Good Charlotte amongst others) and having accolades such as being BAM magazine's #1 band to watch, Metal Edge's band on the rise award and generally being one of the top unsigned acts in the US metal scene. As they showcased for a major label who demanded they change with the times, they turned the offer down to move to LA.....whilst the record labels decided to move to Seattle and then begin the quick disintegration of every glam band out there. Mistake or just the inevitable?
 
Remastered and finally available to the masses, 'Never Was An Angel' is finally here to give you 13 songs of glam heaven, including seven never before released tracks from the Rob Beaton (GnR, Sea Hags) sessions. This is polished glam at its best from the four piece and it's proof that the band had the chops to fulfil that potential if only the industry broom hadn't swept them under the carpet as if nothing was ever there and quickly looked the other way.

'Land Of Plenty' sums the band up in 4 minutes; catchy hooks, grooves galore, kick ass vocals and rampant riffage. Seriously good stuff from the off and you'll be sat there thinking "Why have I never heard this before?" A one-off you might think but no, they follow that up with the equally great 'Honey Child' and all I'll say is that if they ever paly this at one of those '80s rock nights, you'll be clambering over the DJ booth looking wide-eyed to find out who it is whilst making the DJ afraid of big hair and stilettos in the process.

'Outta Line' may be a song about women but, listening to the lyrics, you'd believe it was written about their career in retrospect rather than 22 years ago - Jesus, that was a long time ago - but this all sounds fresh and focused. Non glam fanatics will slate it, saying they've heard it all before but when anything is done well, it really is worth a listen.

The sex groove of 'Ultraglide' reminds you of days when the Electric Boys slipped in the back door whilst Extreme were knocking on the front door asking politely for your daughter's hand. All the way through Murder Bay have that sexual edge of confidence, and further proof in songs such 'Dirty Work' and the title track maintain that thought, the former having that Extreme funkiness to it.

When they decide to slow it down, they go all blues on us and provide the brilliant track 'Simple Man' - Mike Tramp can only wish he could write a blues ballad as heartfelt. Vito Bratta probably heard this and decided he best hibernate for the next 25 years. The Gary Moore-esque blues of this track is so simple that it's probably why it's so good. "I'm sorry for the way I loved you" croons Paul Trombetta....it's ok Paul, we're here to love you and the band, just don't tell that Tramp bloke.

Special mention to the track 'Keep Me In Mind' not only for some great hard grooves but for giving me my daily fix of cowbell. Fuck yeah!
 
With hints of Journey, Foreigner and Van Halen as well as White Lion, Warrant  and Extreme, Murder Bay straddle the lines of all things glam with ease and class. The new breed of glam may be trying their very best to keep all our dreams and hopes alive but slip this lost classic out of its case, caress it into your system, pour yourself a large one and then press play.......the reward of musical wood will be given.
 
Get yourself lubed up and happy at;

www.eonianrecords.com