I’d heard some initial reports that this thing had some CACTUS vibes, but that’s just not the case. I should have known better after enduring Travers’ “PT Power Trio” covers project last year. I guess there’s no need to go into detail with Appice’s list of sins (like that "Iron Eagle" soundtrack thing) since his glory days in the the VANILLA FUDGE / CACTUS / JEFF BECK camps. I’m just shaking my head at this point because I should have known better. This thing makes that HUGHES / TURNER project from a couple of years ago sound like "Machine Head" or something.

Overall, this thing isn’t all that bad in a TESLA / MR. BIG kind of way. But we’re a long way from Travers’ classics like “Makin’ Magic”. Most of the songs on this disc come across as either pathetically cheesy over-the-hill rock fare (like “Gotta Have Ya”, complete with rap vocals from bassist T.M. Stevens and the GARY GLITTER-esque “Rock Me”) or a strange watered-down KINGS X imitation. It must be the production or something, but tracks like “Can’t Escape the Fire” and “I Can’t Let you Go” show Travers and Appice doing a remarkable impression of Tabor and Gaskill, circa 1997. It’s funny, having been a Tabor fan all these years, I’ve seen some younger bands obviously influenced by his playing style, but I never expected two veteran rockers like these to be copping his style so shamelessly. That, well...it takes a lot of balls.

If you’re looking for slightly goofy bar-band boogie peppered with occasional attempts at late 90s rock fare, then look no further than this CD. If you’re looking for lethal, heavy, 70s-style rock, check out a PALE DIVINE record. We're miles away from Pat or Vinnie's best stuff, and I'm sure they're quite aware of it. Quick! Pass me that VIVISICK cd!!

- Marchman

OFFICIAL SITE: www.pattraversonline.com

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