WAYNE PARRY
Associated Press
Rated X, “Rated X” (Frontiers)
The term supergroup has been overused to the point of meaninglessness, so just call Rated X a new old-school rock quartet.
Led by Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner and Carmine Appice, one of the greatest drummers in rock history, the band also includes guitarist Karl Cochran (Ace Frehley’s touring band) and bassist Tony Franklin (The Firm, Jimmy Page).
For those hoping this would be Rainbow 5.0, there’s definitely some of that: “Get Back My Crown” would sound right at home on Rainbow’s “Bent out of Shape” album. Turner is unquestionably one of the most underrated singers of the 1980s, and his voice is as fresh and soulful as ever.
But ultimately, Rated X creates its own unique sound. Cochran is no Ritchie Blackmore, and to his credit, doesn’t try to be. Instead, he tailors each solo to the individual track, spanning a variety of styles. Appice, who has played for everyone from Vanilla Fudge to Rod Stewart to Ozzy Osbourne, makes the drums sound like a lead instrument on several tracks here.
Rated X has opened the street of dreams to traffic once again.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
