When not hanging around with Whitesnake guitarist Doug Aldrich has his own four piece hard rocking band, which includes vocalist Keith St. John (post-millennial/final incarnation of Montrose), one-time Quiet Riot/current Dokken bassist Sean McNabb and pinch-hitter Matt Starr on drums (stints w/ Ace Frehley, Love/Hate and Beautiful Creatures). A dozen songs, although there are editions available with bonus tracks, including a cover of Led Zepplin’s ‘Kashmir’ and assorted acoustic renditions of tunes found elsewhere on “Epic Obsession”. Third “solo” album for Aldrich overall, albeit the first since 2000. Guess the time’s right, with Whitesnake adding to the blond sixtsringer’s recognition factor.

With a widdling guitar solo, the album kicks off, jumping right into ‘Sweet Little Baby Thing’. There’s a bluesy, almost country swagger to some of the material, similar to Badlands. The running order sort of alternates between slower/acoustic fare and ripping guitar dominated late 70s rockers. Needless to say, the later contingent offers the better material: especially a smoking ‘Till You Die’, ‘Pray Out Loud’ and ‘Ride The Monkey’ which could have been a ‘Snake outtake. That being said, the slow building, acoustic tinged ‘Our Time Is Gonna Come’ owes a nod to Plant & Page. Flashback, without being dated, good stuff.