By Carl Begai

St. Catharines-based FRAZE GANG recently released their second album, entitled Fraze Gang 2, and along with a heavier and edgier sound they went from being a trio to a quartet, adding DEAD CELEBRITY / former HEXUS guitarist Derek McGowan (pictured second from right) to the line-up. Anyone familiar with either band will find the Fraze Gang merger a head-scratcher, but McGowan considers it an honour to be a part of the proceedings even though things are geared in a melodic ‘70s / ‘80s rock direction. And the truth is he earned his spot in the band as Fraze Gang frontman Greg Fraser’s stunt double in BRIGHTON ROCK a long time ago, which McGowan readily admits was a surreal experience.

“It’s coming up on ten years now, and that blows me away because it doesn’t feel that long ago. It was about a year after they got back together to do some reunion shows here at home. Brighton Rock’s second album, Take A Deep Breath, is still one of my favourite albums. Every single moment on that album means the world to me, because it brings me back to great memories of my childhood. I originally wanted to be a drummer, so I’d set up a makeshift kit and try to do Mark Cavarzan’s moves (laughs). It was Mark’s playing, Bobby Blotzer from Ratt and Joey Kramer from Aerosmith, those were the guys I tried to emulate up to the point where I got a guitar. The Fraze Gang thing came about because I stayed in touch with Mark, Greg, and Stevie. We’d talk on the phone and I went out to a few Fraze Gang shows, and they eventually asked me to get involved with the band. Originally I was just their live guitarist, and we’d get together to rehearse and jam on the songs.”

McGowan is on board as a full time Gang member, appearing on the new album as a key player rather than an “additional guitars” credit.

“It’s awesome because I’m the principal guitarist in my other band and in Fraze Gang I get to be a rhythm guitarist 75% of the time. It was and is cool to back up Greg, because I’ve always loved different styles of music. It was an honour just to be with them as a live session player, and I guess they liked having me hanging around… except for me saying ‘How did you play this on that song, Greg?’ all the time (laughs). When it came time for them to start working on the album, I was invited to play on the tracks. It was amazing to be allowed to be creative on songs that Greg wrote. That was incredible for me.”

Despite any hero worship on McGowan’s part, intimidation never really crept into the creative process.

“It was more intimidating when I had to fill in for Greg in Brighton Rock because I wanted to to make everyone happy,” McGowan admits. “I wanted to do the songs justice. I was 23 at the time, and I wish I could go back now because I’m older and wiser and my playing had improved. I’m a fan of Greg’s work, but I’m not an identical player to Greg. Once the relationship started with Fraze Gang, it just felt very natural. Playing with Greg in the studio, it’s like I’m getting a free guitar lessons (laughs). Being there to see how he put the songs together, how he puts the harmonies together, it’s humbling but it’s a lot of fun.”

Click here for more. Go to this location to check out the new album.

The track listing for Fraze Gang 2 is as follows:

'Saint Or Sinner'

'In Your Face'

'Juggernaut'

'Never Want To Say Goodbye'

'White Lightning'

'Tough Enough'

'I Just Want To Make Love To You'

'Don't Call Us We'll Call You'

'This Is It'

'Rampage'

The album will be available for purchase via Amazon.com soon.

Fraze Gang recently confirmed a show for Toronto on August 18th at The Rockpile. Admission is $15.00, doors are at 7:00pm. Other bands on the bill include VYNAL ERA, PARIS BLACK, AMNESIA, IMPULSE and SCREAMING EVIL BLUES BAND.

For more information go to this location.