Customer Reviews

Surreal

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Good
If you are not familiar with just who Man Raze is, it's Phil Collen of Def Leppard (guitar/vox), Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols (drums), and Simon Laffy of Girl (bass). "This Is" comes at you at break-neck speed. The rhythm is oh so Sex Pistol-like and the melodic vocals are definitely Def Leppard-ish in delivery. Driving guitar riffage and pounding drums lead the change on the commanding track "Turn It Up." The band takes an interesting turn on the reggae-style track "Runnin' Me Up." Even though the song sounds a little out of place with the ones before it, it it done quite well. The band takes a dark turn on "Spinning Out." The harmonies remain strong and the vocals inflect a hint of ZZ Top. "Skin Crawl" delivers a hook laden chorus with its 70s British rock sound. "Halo" could easily been on the latest Def Leppard release, as it mixes a little bit of rock with a bit of power pop.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
Side-projects are always a bit of a gamble. People really expect another version of the band you're normally in. However, the point of a side-project is to do your own thing. That's exactly what Phil Collen manages to do with Man Raze. However, despite branching out into the punk, reggae, and the classic rock field on Surreal, Collen manages to capture some of the magic from his tenure with Def Leppard. The same goes for Cook and his drum work. I honestly thought Laffy was singing until I read the liner notes. I must say Collen's vocals are quite impressive and no doubt (with his guitar playing) played a part in Def Leppard success. If things don't work out with his day job (as if), Collen and his Man Raze cohorts have enough talent and inspiration to make it just as big.

"Surreal" is a great debut album for Manraze. It has everything from power chords to reggae grooves with hooks everywhere. What's best is they don't sound like The Sex Pistols, they don't sound like Def Leppard; they sound like themselves. This is one of those albums where each song is your favorite until the next one comes on. Fans of these guys' previous bands will enjoy it but even if you have no idea who Phil Collen, Paul Cook and Simon Laffey are you'll find yourself instantly hooked.

If you are a Def Leppard fan, Girl fan or Sex Pistols fan, this is the disk for you. I own this and love the music on here. I also own the first Man-Raze disk by the name of Skin Crawl. Also a good disk. All the great music to be enjoyed.

This CD is great - there is something for everyone, a little bit of headbanging, a little bit of reggae, and of course some pure classic rock.

Man Raze is an awesome trio of great bands combined into one. The sound is new and refreshing, something i'm been waiting for. If you have chance, pick up the CD you won't be dissapointed!

I bought the MAN-RAZE Surreal album when it first came out several months ago, but I kept holding off on writing a review just to allow the music to sink into me so I would make a fair judgement instead of one that is too quick and one sided. As far as I am concerned, MAN-RAZE could be the next big thing with or without promotion. The whole album is so right on that all twelve songs have the quality and the melody to make it to the radio with some amazing domination. There's people who listened to this album only seconds or minutes and then they try to say or tell a jealous lie that Phil Collen'S voice sounds like Joe Elliot's. I totally disagree mainly because Phil proves that he has a very unique sound to his voice to the point that he could have started several years ago with his own band and even won the leadsinger position hands down. I hope MAN-RAZE continues to make albums as powerful as Surreal, and just keep the great music coming.

I agree with Mr Cassman's review, because it is mine. He has stolen it from http://www.cookandjones.co.uk/ManRazeSurreal.htm
I don't mind having my reviews used, but I like to be credited. Disgraceful.
Phil
www.cookandjones.co.uk

Here is my full review.

The much anticipated debut album from Man Raze has arrived. I've been looking forward to this since the group's stunning launch party gig for their single Skin Crawl.

The album starts with an opening salvo of two thundering tracks, kicking off at a breakneck pace with This Is. It's a tough performance and shows their ability to turn on the power and rock hard and fast. It's blessed with a lightening solo from Phil Collen. "I gotta reason to fight" sings Phil. No doubt about it, they mean business. "This is the age of experience" is another telling line. These guys have experience in spades and don't hold back.


Turn It Up continues the call to arms. It's infectious, awash with a love of classic rock `n' roll; "C'mon shake me to the bone. I wanna hear that song again." You won't sit still to this one, it's got anthem stamped right across it.

The strength of Man Raze is their versatility. With a vast range of influences and styles, they're not afraid to use them in their music. Dub reggae song Runnin' Me Up is a fine example, featuring terrific drumming from Paul and complimentary rhythm from Simon Laffy on bass. Not many bands could pull this off. It's the ideal contrast to the opening two storming tracks.

Every Second Of Every Day presents another change of style without taking the foot off the gas. A sing-a-long chorus and a spine-tingling melody deliver another memorable moment.

Hypnotic bass and acidic guitar have the next cut, Spinning Out, threatening to do just that; spin out of control. Paul's rock solid performance keeps it tight, holding the song together allowing Phil to cut loose with another stellar solo.

Can't find My Own Way is a distillation of the band's musical range. Reggae, dub and rock are all thrown into the pot in equal measure; the cool groove providing a springboard for red hot bursts of rock `n' roll. A lot of thought has gone into the pacing of the album. This track provides the perfect halfway point with all of Man Raze's strengths on show.

Skin Crawl takes us right back to the band's debut single, only this time it's been reworked. It's now moodier, meaner, and even more sinister. It shapes up to bite you at any moment. By the end of the song it's under your skin - there's nothing you can do to prevent it. Powerful and unstoppable. It's brilliant.

Low is sharp and melodic. It's also uniquely Man Raze. They've carved their own sound, and no matter what song or style, there is no doubt you're listening to Man Raze. "I can't sleep at night, I can't get it right, when my resistance is low." Special mention for the vocals; consistently strong throughout the album, Phil handles the melody with the confidence necessary to nail it.

Connected To You again fuses reggae with fast, powerful, rock `n' roll. The guitar, bass and drums weave together to deliver a soaring pure performance. Utterly danceable, no matter what your preferred musical genre. It's a phenomenal cut.

Halo is another signature song for the group. It's got everything: a wonderful chorus, pile-driving guitar, rock licks, bass that ducks and dives, and irresistible pounding drums. "It's all around... let's face it like a halo."

The menacing It's Entertainment gives a further rock kick to the proceedings, ensuring no let up in the energy stakes. Paul hits the skins with a ferocity that shifts the song up a gear and steers a pulsating steam roller, destined to take you out.

The final track Shadowman is a superbly crafted multi-faceted song. A song about living with your dark side, it's fittingly a blend of the different sides of Man Raze themselves. Sonically satisfying with a haunting chorus, Paul, Phil, & Simon all get to display their strengths as the sound switches between the subtle delights of the verse and meaty colossus of a chorus.

The production of the album deserves a mention. It's superb; multi-layered yet clear. The power of the group is captured yet the production allows the band to display their vast range of skills. No matter how intricate or subtle, you can hear it.

Having seen them live, I knew how good Man Raze were and what they were capable of. To finally have it captured in the studio was always going to be special. Surreal is extra special. It's a feast for the ears of any rock fan. I was taken aback that Man Raze sound so distinctive throughout, despite the vast range of influences and styles. They've brought their rich pedigree to the party and created a unique sound. Energy and swagger, reggae and dub, wrapped up in a rock 'n' roll sensibility.

"I've got a big fish to fry, got a killer alibi" they announce in the opening song. I guess we've all got big fish to fry. Those fish are Man Raze. Catch Man Raze. Get Surreal.

Review and photographs by Phil Singleton (pictured with Man Raze)

This is a great album. With members of Def Leppard, Girl, and the Sex Pistols! I bet no one ever expected that! But it sounds like a great mix of their former/current bands along with some other influences. Rock, punk, and a little reggae thrown in. Very ecclectic. Every song is different. Phil Collen has a great voice.

This is the record Def Leppard should have put out instead of their newest. Phil sounds just like Joe Elliott - far out.

How can this album not sound like deff leppard i agree some songs have a ragga beat to them and one sounds like the police ,but come on now its all over deff leppard but with catchier riffs.The highlights are showdow man ,skin craw,halo connected to you and that entertainment, but this is a great cd,in my opinion.Phil collens at his best playin is ,great the songwritting is excellant ,i reconmend this cd to any deff leppard fan.Buy it you wont be let down.Ihope this review was helpfull to you.