RATT - Infestation
March 14, 2010, 14 years ago
(Loud & Proud/Roadrunner Records)
Finally, a big hair metal band that unabashedly makes a retro ‘80s album that will appeal to their core fan-base. There’s no down tuning, nu-metal, rap-rock or anything new from the last 25 years on this record and that’s the way it should be. If you’re looking for Ratt to write about corporate greed or global warming then this album is not for you. But if you’re looking for sizzling guitars, a driving rhythm section, frivolous (but fun) lyrics and sneering vocals (that only Stephen Pearcy can deliver) than you’ve come to the right place. 'Eat Me Up Alive' is a straight-ahead rocker with Van Halen-influenced guitars that opens the album with the amps clearly set to ‘11’. 'A Little Too Much' is your traditional sing-a-long arena rock song with a big chorus and an even bigger hook. 'Lost Weekend' sounds like a distant cousin of the Ratt classic, 'Lack Of Communication'. 'Take A Big Bite' is another guitar driven track that you won’t be able to get out of your head while 'Take Me Home' is the power ballad that Ratt never managed to chart with in the ’80s. With Infestation, Ratt have not gambled on trying to figure out what’s “cool” in 2010, but instead have placed all their bets on party rock anthems with loud guitars. Ah, welcome to 1987! You’ll be glad you came.
