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Chris Laney is probably best known at as a producer/engineer/songwriter or maybe as the guitarist for Zan Clan or Randy Piper’s Animal but with the release of his solo debut “Pure” he will definitely be making a name for himself as a performer in his own right. “Pure” is filled with catchy, hard driving Swedish rock with a modern twist and a sound that falls somewhere between Gemini Five and Shotgun Messiah with touches of Def Leppard thrown in. It’s not hard to miss that Laney is also heavily influenced by Robert “Mutt” Lange’s production techniques not only with how he makes the record sound like he had an unlimited budget to work with but also when it comes to working with the background vocal arrangements. Huge anthems, straight up rockers, heavy thumping hard driving songs “Pure” has it all and more.

“Situation” kicks everything off and gives you a taste of exactly what is in store for you on “Pure” this is a straight up rocker with some great guitar and background . “I Dunno” has anthem written all over it, huge vocals and background vocals with a sound that is a mix of Def Leppard and Shotgun Messiah that can stand toe to toe with some of the best rock anthems out there. “Make You Cry” reminds me of several bands the aforementioned Shotgun Messiah and Gemini Five with a little Crashdiet thrown in for good measure make this rocker one of the best on “Pure”. Laney gives a chance to catch our breath and slows everything down with “the Stranger In You” until the chorus kicks in that is. He adds a nice touch by adding strings and keyboards to the songs along with some great bass lines provided by Nalle ‘Grizzy’ Pahlsson. “Fire & Ice” is a great melodic rocker with Crashdiet’s Martin Sweet providing the solo on this track and once again some outstanding background vocals. “I Hate Yer Guts” is a hard driving rocker with some Zakk Wyldesque guitar, while “Get U Down” has touches of Def Leppard oozing out all over this song. “Pissed At What Ya Missed” sounds like another nod to Zinny Zan’s ex band this anthem has one of the best solos on the album. In my opinion “Last Man Standing” is the best track on “Pure” it is definitely the catchiest song on the album it reminds me of  the “Crazy Nights”/”Hot In The Shade” era of Kiss. The ballad “Skin On Skin” is a definite change of pace compared to the rest of the songs on “Pure” with it piano, soaring chorus and Queen influence.

Fans of modern sounding hard driving hard rock will not be disappointed in “Pure” at all. Laney sounds as if he is looking towards the future but at the same time he also acknowledges the past and the bands that influenced his music. After hearing this album I am eager to hear what else Chris Laney has to offer the rock ‘n roll world both as a producer and a performer.

Chris Laney can be found online at www.chrislaney.com or www.myspace.com/chrislaney

Rating: Out of 10

Track Listing:

01. Situation
02. I Dunno
03. Make You Cry
04. The Stranger In You
05. Fire & Ice
06. I Hate Yer Guts
07. Get U Down
08. Pissed At What Ya Missed
09. Make My Day
10. Last Man Standing
11. Skin On Skin
12. Pride B 4 The Fall

Chris Laney band is:
J.Koleberg – Drums
Nalle Grizzly Påhlsson – Bass
Chris Laney – Guitars and Vocals