Customer Reviews

On Target

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

SPECTACULAR hair metal album --- every tune would've been a top ten or #1 if just released a year or so earlier. Really a perfect example of where our heads were at right before the Grunge movement.

Bangalore Choir's "On Target" launched the SAME DAY as NIRVANA -- hair metal died by 4pm that afternoon.

The ULTIMATE hair metal band you've never heard but HAVE to hear. Every tune is a real hit.

Producer Max Norman molested the songs to a high polish and changed a few essential minor chords into major chords -- so made it too radio friendly a la Def Leopard in some places, killed the extreme heaviness of the brutal, fresh demo that got them signed in the first place -- but a few tracks peel paint with heavy grooves, sick guitar tone -- and the whole project is really hook laden, catchy and well crafted -- and on top of it all Dave Reece's huge, deep, 'Big Man' voice is what David Coverdale could only dream of.

Performances from all musicians are just as tight and tasty as you could hope to find in that genre.

Sad story. Dave Reece, the singer, had an ego meltdown over wardrobe issues and dropped the drummer and bassist about a three weeks before the album was released (the ridiculously talented bassist Danny Greenberg, and tasty drummer Derek Thomas played all the tracks on the album -- good friends from the Sunset Strip scene, Ian Mayo and Jackie Ramos, stepped in right before the release and appear on the album photos but had nothing at all to do with the music in any way).

Bangalore's premiere video for 'Loaded Gun' (the softest track and not the best song to introduce the band to the world) appeared in heavy rotation on MTV for about two weeks -- then they disapppeared forever.

Sad, because Bangalore Choir probably would've been a giant stadium draw if they'd not just missed the timing by that crucial year or so...

If you like technically flawless power hair metal --- make sure to add this to your collection and tell two friends -- and so on and so on and so on .....

And by the way -- go to You Tube and punch in "Bangalore Choir" -- check the live bootleg video of "All Or Nothing" from 1990 Sunset Strip gig when Danny and Derek were still on board -- They had it goin on!

Awesome CD! One of the best ever! The musicianship was the best California had to offer & the songwriting had plenty of good hooks & memorable choruses. They had it all but Grunge killed all its potential. John Bon Jovi & Ritchie Sambora wrote "Doin' The Dance" & "Angel In Black" was written by Steve Plunkett of Autograph (This song also appears on Autograph's - Missing Pieces CD), but this version is way better. Overall This cd rocks & the ballads are beyond good. If you like Bon Jovi, Giant, Valentine or 21 Guns then you will love this cd.

Great album, lost in the "Nirvana" shuffle back in the early ninetys. A must have for any hard rock fan!!! Recommended!!!
More info below:

BANGALORE CHOIR LOS ANGELES CA, USA

LINE UP:  David Reece (vocals), Curt Mitchell (guitars), John Kirk (guitars), Ian Mayo (bass), Jackie Ramos (drums) 
 
A vicious yet highly melodic Hard Rock outfit, named after a type of torpedo, formed by ex-ACCEPT and SACRED CHILD vocalist David Reece with Ian Mayo and Jackie Ramos, both former members of the Atlantic Records signed HERICANE ALICE. JAGPANZER guitarist JOEY TAFFOLA was seemingly involved at an early stage of the group but was well out of the picture by the time they were in a position to begin recording. Ex-RAZOR MAID men John Kirk and Curt Mitchell took his place.

The album, produced by Max Norman, offered a mixture of songs drafted in from outside writers, ranging from AUTOGRAPH's Steve Plunkett ('Angel In Black') to JON BON JOVI and ALDO NOVA ('Do The Dance'). Recording line up comprised Reece, guitarists Curt Mitchell and John Kirk, bassist Dan Greenburg and former KIL D'KOR and BRUNETTE drummer Darek Thomas Cava. The latter went on to PAIN SOCIETY.

Upon the band's demise Reece formed SIRCLE OF SILENCE with ex-members of UNRULY CHILD, whilst Mayo and Ramos teamed up with ex-LION guitarist DOUG ALDRICH in BAD MOON RISING to enthusiastic response in Japan. Mayo would later continue the pairing with Aldrich in a fresh venture BURNING RAIN. Reece would later unsuccessfully audition for JUDAS PRIEST.

Garry Sharpe-Young

Having reentered the international music scene in 2008 by fronting Swedish hard rock band `Gypsy Rose', American singer David Reece (ex-"Accept") debuted his solo career in 2009 with the `Universal language' album. 2010 finds David Reece a reestablished figure in the hard rock/melodic metal world, fronting beyond his own band acts like `Gypsy Rose' and American hard rockers `Tango Down'.

On account of the previous conditions it seems as the perfect occasion for the re-issue of the `Bangalore Choir' debut `On target'; as most are aware David put together the band after leaving `Accept' in 1990 with their subsequent debut being released in 1992.

As a reissue the album features the original ten tracks plus the promo video for `Loaded gun' but no bonus tracks; in addition the cover artwork also deviates from the original. Yet, to its defense, the album benefits hugely from the very effective re mastering of Martin Kronlund (`Gypsy Rose') who literally updates the sound of the album being easily comparable to the production of David's latest works (You will have to excuse me, but I have not heard the original CD of 1992 in order to make a direct comparison with this re-mastered version).

In terms of performance I do not think there is much that has not been discussed before: The material switches effortlessly between hard rock, glam metal and at times melodic metal featuring infectious melodies, seriously heavy riffs (for early 90s), and unforgettable choruses. As many have claimed, Reece's performance is indeed stellar (and at times beyond stellar) while a pleasant surprise may be found on the lead guitar parts of John Kirk and Curt Mitchell exchanging melodies and extensive shredding making the guitar solos an equally standout factor of `On target' in the process.

For collectors of classic hard rock, glam metal albums this is an obvious purchase, for those who enjoyed "Gypsy Rose- Another world", "Reece-Universal Language" or "Accept-Eat the Heat" this is a must.

One is very pleased to find out that `Bangalore choir' have actually reformed and are working on their second album as David has stated amongst various interviews.

I have owned this CD for a while and just listened to it again before writing this review. I have to say that it really is a great album. There are really no bad songs on it. The formula is classic 80's hair metal with great guitar work, great melodies, a few ballads and solid vocals. Since this was released in 1992, I can understand why it received no attention. It is as good as some of the mainstream metal acts of that genre. If you are a fan of Skid Row, Whitesnake, Poison, et al, you will most likely enjoy this. In fact, I would say it is a MUST HAVE album in any 80s metal collection (hair or otherwise).

This is hair metal at it's finest. Flawless. David Reece is a monster of a vocalist. The songs are melodic and very catchy. Excellent guitar work. When I first played this CD I was telling a buddy about it and said to him, "Eh, it's ok but it's just average hair metal." Next time I saw him I said, "Hey, I need to amend that statement about Bangalore Choir. It's fantastic!" It took a few spins to get it.

*EDITED TO ADD 05/20/2010*

Do yourself a favor and make sure you buy the remastered version that was just released. Martin Kronlund did a FANTASTIC job of giving this CD the full, thick, rich sound it has always deserved.

Bangalore Choir, On Target. This band was great. The producer polished their sound too much compared to the bands demos. Rumored second producer James Barton came in and remixed half the record. I was lucky to see the original line up play in Fresno on tour with The Lynch Mob after their record was complete they said. Tightest band ever. Mind blowing. The line up change right before the albums release was odd and probably led to Bangalore's demise. This band had a very brutal metal sound which got them a recording contract. I saw the new version of the band on abc concerts with the drummer and bass player from Hericane Alice. They where no where near the sound quality of the band in it's original line up that performs on this record with Danny Greenburg on bass and Darek Thomas Cava on drums. This record is standing the test of time no question constantly selling. I see one for sale here for $58.36! 5 Star Review!

Great Album!!! This is a came out the wrong year though (Nirvana changed everything). some heavyweight producers and songwriters on this album. quality production, a must for any hard rock fan....

Great Album!!! This is a came out the wrong year though (Nirvana changed everything). some heavyweight producers and songwriters on this album. quality production, a must for any hard rock fan. more info below BANGALORE CHOIR LOS ANGELES CA, USA LINE UP: David Reece (vocals), Curt Mitchell (guitars), John Kirk (guitars), Ian Mayo (bass), Jackie Ramos (drums) A vicious yet highly melodic Hard Rock outfit, named after a type of torpedo, formed by ex-ACCEPT and SACRED CHILD vocalist David Reece with Ian Mayo and Jackie Ramos, both former members of the Atlantic Records signed HERICANE ALICE. JAGPANZER guitarist JOEY TAFFOLA was seemingly involved at an early stage of the group but was well out of the picture by the time they were in a position to begin recording. Ex-RAZOR MAID men John Kirk and Curt Mitchell took his place. The album, produced by Max Norman, offered a mixture of songs drafted in from outside writers, ranging from AUTOGRAPH's Steve Plunkett ('Angel In Black') to JON BON JOVI and ALDO NOVA ('Do The Dance'). Recording line up comprised Reece, guitarists Curt Mitchell and John Kirk, bassist Dan Greenburg and former KIL D'KOR and BRUNETTE drummer Darek Thomas Cava. The latter went on to PAIN SOCIETY. Upon the band's demise Reece formed SIRCLE OF SILENCE with ex-members of UNRULY CHILD, whilst Mayo and Ramos teamed up with ex-LION guitarist DOUG ALDRICH in BAD MOON RISING to enthusiastic response in Japan. Mayo would later continue the pairing with Aldrich in a fresh venture BURNING RAIN. Reece would later unsuccessfully audition for JUDAS PRIEST.

According to another reviewer: "Bon Jovi" "big stadium act" "Def Leppard" GET REAL!!!!

This the most cliched garbage I have ever heard and the reason why grunge took over. This music and everything about the band is so stupid and laughable, you would have to be a total yutz to listen to one of these songs more than once! "Your love is like a loaded gun" PLEASE

The fact that this came out in 92 further illustrates what a bunch of posers these guys were. I have news for you guys, grunge did not cost them a shot at the big time. This band and a 100 others like them, was a bunch of no talent jack-wads, who tried to jump on a band wagon that was already gone. If any of them are doing anything other than flipping burgers today, it is better than they deserve.

I would sooner have my toenails removed by a hedge trimmer than listen to this crap. Oh, nice album cover, though! No one ever though of putting a girl with big boobs and a rocket on the cover before!