RUNNING WILD - The Brotherhood
April 5, 2002, 22 years ago
(GUN)
Surprise, the latest disc sees the German veterans going techno, with a female vocalist droning on about environmental concerns and saving puppies! If you believe the preceding statement, you either know NOTHING of Running Wild, or must be pictured in the dictionary, under "gullible." That said, the venerable Deutsche outfit add some spice to a diet of staples. Some people actually enjoy repeatedly eating at the same restaurant, ordering the same platter. While I don't consider myself in that crowd, there's something reassuring about 'getting the usual.' Lord knows, that's what most fans want. Rest assured, The Brotherhood isn't a serving of leftovers, from the instrumental 'Siberian Winter' to an Arabian flavored finale, 'The Ghost', mainstay Rock N Rolf cooks up a tasty smorgasbord, despite limited resources. Apart from 'Pirate Song', the long-standing swashbuckler fixation is absent, as is the more recent preoccupation with military themes. The quick picking on the instrumental and the acoustic begun title cut work best, amongst the mid-tempo, sing-along fare, while the bland 'Detonator' and 'Unation' leave a nasty aftertaste. Perhaps Ralf should have substituted the bonus cuts, 'Crossfire' or 'Faceless'. Bon Appetit!
