Oklahoma upstart label CD Smash release this compilation of up and coming hard rock bands with no other agenda then that they like the fuckin' bands, and think that you will, too. And you will, mostly. I know for sure you'll be bouncing off the walls over opening band Trigger. Straight out of Gothenburg, Trigger sound like a punk n' roll Thin Lizzy, and "Good Stuff' is an absolute blazer, a Saturday night anthem of indulgence that even manages to thrown some 50's style rock n roll ballad guitar in the middle of the roof burning fray, just because they can. Keep an ear out for these cats. I've mentioned Cherry Blossom Clinic before- although you wouldn't believe they're form Texas even if they roped a calf right in front of you, they play ultra-catchy powerpop somewhere between the Beatles and Urge Overkill, and their track "Something New" is another highlight. Elsewhere, Redemption have a smoky street metal track that sounds like some kind of sleazy lost Gene Simmons demo with "Washed in the Blood". Loaded Dice, another 80's influenced gang of debauched rockers, have a chugging Skid Row feel on "Back in the Alley", Markonee have an outrageous KISS/Van Halen cop on display with "Loved land", and Chicago party rockers I Love Rich lay on the tongue in cheek Wrathchildish cock rock of "World's Greatest Lover". There's a few tracks on here that veer too far into "melodic rock" territory for me, but then again, I'm a beast of a man. Overall, there's plenty to bang your head about on display here.