Justice
Counting Down
Reviewed by John Wilson & Spiny Norman
Is there a music category called "Light Metal?" I think these four Aussies just created it. Just kidding--actually, Justice's approach is a very tangible blend of melodic Rock suited to the taste of listeners of Y&T and the old Refuge Records band First Degree. The songs display some fair progressions, but they're mostly predictable and tried. When the band wants to get down and go for it, they can pull it off, but it's never punched way up in the mix. Justice sounds like a band that will offer some good material in its future, but this release sounds more like a demo tape than a debut album made to blow people away. Maybe younger, less critical ears will eat this material up, because as Pop sensibilities go, there's plenty here, but it's still a few steps below professional. The guitar leads in "Race Of Victory" have pretty good tone and hits the mark. Songs like "Way Back Home" and have pretty good melodies and hooks that stick with you for a while, but the vocals sound a tad inappropriate for the song. Overall, this is one of those albums that lacks a bit, but grows on you because of the hooks.