Eighties rockers invariably mature either like fine wines, intensifying in quality over time, or like stilton, becoming increasingly cheesy and starting to stink.
Mike Tramp sits resolutely in the former category, as underlined by his decision to sing selections from his former band White Lion's well-endowed catalogue in lower registers appropriate to his present-day vocal range on the first Songs Of White Lion album.
Although its predecessor had the Lion’s share of hits, Vol. II still plays two Pride-era aces with heftier takes on Lonely Nights and Don’t Give Up, emphasising the fact that Danish-born Tramp and guitarist Vito Bratta’s songwriting had way more in common with classic European hard rock than many of their peers.
The effect intensifies as deep-cut highlights like Mane Attraction’s Lights And Thunder and Fight To Survive’s El Salvador are reinvigorated with Deep Purple-hued organ and an earthier delivery.
