First Strike
Crank It Up
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
First Strike is back; and they have a tape of killer tunes to show it. This band thrilled the headbangers in the kingdom when they released their debut album, Rock of Offense. They were a pleasant addition to the Christian music scene at the time. (It was 1984 and shortly after Stryper's arrival to the scene.) They quickly sold 20,000 copies and then faded out of the scene. This was due to losing their singer just before the album's release, which led to practically no tour support. Now, with a new permanent lead singer - David Campanaro, First Strike is ready to get the musical message out there again. David joins founding members Pat Boylan (guitars), Tim Larkin (guitars), Chris Salmon (bass) and John Delaney (drums) to complete the group. They've finished a new mini-EP, which they are currently shopping to some interested record labels. This tape, called Crank It Up, is hot! I think it is head and shoulders above their first effort. It's a more controlled sound. It's real melodic, but it has very precise and potent punches that are timely and powerful. The production is radio-quality. It sounds like it was done in a 24-track studio. "Some Kind of Lover" starts off the tape with some great hooks. It grabs you instantly and doesn't let go. David Campanaro does a great job on lead vocals, while Tim and Pat add some real good backup. "Don't Let Me Walk Away" doesn't let up in the quality at all. Every instrument does its job here in driving the song. The guitars do some flowing leads here that just scream for radio airplay. "Power" is the first song here just totally devoted to headbangers. David's vocals sound like the old Sammy Hagar on this one. He sings with a kind of controlled wail. The message here is as declaring and up-front as the driving rhythm and hot riffs are: "I got the power, got to let it show. I got the power, want you all to know." I remember the four original members of First Strike playing this back in June of '85 at the Exodus festival in Victoria, Texas. It was one of the hottest songs of their set then and it still sounds great. "Comeback" is another pop/metal song that's done very well. It's somewhat musically similar to .38 Special's better material. This style of music should definitely get First Strike heavy airplay. As Paul Q-Pek would say, "They just plain know how to write a good pop song." Overall, this cassette EP is a great welcome from these hard rockers from Sacramento. I think this stuff showcases an improved songwriting and performing team. Hopefully some record companies will get the idea and get these boys signed again. One Bad Pig's "Kosher" had this to say after one listening: "Night Ranger...Bon Jovi...38 Special...REO Speedwagon...and a host of others...HANG IT UP! You guys ain't got nothing on First Strike. Forget the Christian market. This hard rock outfit has the voice, the hook-laden songs, the musicianship, and the flawless production to make this niche of the secular market their very own. All of this with a stronger message than their first record. What can I say? This is the best recommendation this Godcore screamer will ever give a pop-metal record. Believe it." For those of you who want to hear this good music, well, I've got good news for ya! First Strike is selling it through the mail. This mini EP is $5. The Rock of Offense album or tape is $7. Please send check or money order (only) to: First Strike Productions, 4617 McDonald Dr. Sacramento CA 95825.