Tora Tora – Surprise Attack (Release Year – 1989)
Call Tora Tora hair metal or southern rock or whatever title you think fits them. One thing is for sure, their debut album “Surprise Attack” is one kick ass record. No matter what genre or label you slap on them, chances are you will love them.
I had the luxury of seeing these guys in their prime, shortly after their record hit the stores, and my god did they kick ass. I have always had a soft spot for “Surprise Attack” since I have seen the band play live in support of this record. It was great when it was released, and it still stands up well today.
The best songs on “Surprise Attack” are “Walkin’ Shoes”, “Guilty”, “Phantom Rider” and “Love’s A Bitch”. There really isn’t a bad song on this disc.
Anthony Corder’s high range vocals may be an acquired taste for some, but I like his style. His voice is somewhat unique, and the band backing him up flat out rocks. These Memphis hard rockers may not be the most well known act from the late 80’s, but they are definitely worth checking out.
Surprise Attack has been out of print for years, and it is a real shame. You can sometimes find this disc at Amazon.com and Ebay. Grab it if you can find it, and check out how good this tragically under rated band was. For more information on Tora Tora, check them out on myspace at this link, or at facebook here.
Rating: 
Out of 10
Track Listing:
1. Love’s a Bitch
2. 28 Days
3. Hard Times
4. Guilty
5. Phantom Rider
6. Walkin’ Shoes
7. Riverside Drive
8. She’s Good She’s Bad
9. One for the Road
10. Being There
Tora Tora is:
Anthony Corder – vocals
Patrick Francis – bass
Keith Douglas – guitar
John Patterson – drums
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I listened to this the other day. Great stuff!!
I also had the pleasure of seeing them back 1990 when they opened for The Cult. They put on a great show. The PA went out during their set, but the band kept jamming to the stage monitors. I don’t think they even realized the PA was out.
Great album and great band I think Wild America was a even stronger album but like Steve said they were caught up in the hard rock purge of the early 90’s an absolute shame.
Huge album at the parking lot parties back in ’89 but the band fizzled out too quick, they got caught up in the purge around ’92.
I picked this CD and Wild America up on Ebay for $15 each a couple of years ago but what I really want is a copy of the unreleased 3rd album Revolution Day (1994).
Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction