When you think of the bands Danger Danger and Trixter, the first things that come to mind are big hooks, bigger choruses, and a whole lot of fun.
The boys in Tokyo Motor Fist just might be able to help with that. Fronted by vocalist Ted Poley (Danger Danger) and guitarist Steve Brown (Trixter), Tokyo Motor Fist brings back the big guitars and all the melodic rock madness you can handle.
Rounding out the band is drummer Chuck Burgi and bassist Greg Smith. Together, these four talented musicians make up Tokyo Motor Fist.
Only July 10, 2020, the band will release their sophomore effort, the very aptly titled Lions. I say this because they came hard, roaring like majestic lions into the hard rock scene.
Opening the album with the incredibly infectious first single “Youngblood,” Tokyo Motor Fist are out to prove something. Steve Brown opens the track up with some killer guitar wizardry, The rhythm section is on point and in the pocket. Ted Poley’s voice has aged well and sounds warmer and richer compared to his early days with Danger Danger. Overall, the track rocks hard and is super catchy. Great choice for a first single.
“Monster in Me” is a killer up tempo track with great energy and one hell of a chorus to sing song to. Love the opening riff. Kind of reminded me of the iconic intro to the Van Halen classic, “Ain’t Talking Bout Love.”
The band does not let up after that. In fact, track three, “Around Midnight” pushes the proverbial pedal to the metal and the band really turns up the heat.
The mid-tempo rocker “Mean It” has tons of groove in the music and plenty of heart in the lyrics when the band sings, “Love it like you mean it!”
Title track “Lions” sets itself apart with a slower tempo and more of a serious message. Guitarist Steve Brown plays double duty and lays down some impressive keyboard passages throughout the track.
“Decadence on 10th St” clearly and equally shows the influence of Ted (Poley) and Steve’s (Brown) earlier bands. The track has that cool 80’s bravado and swagger.
“Dream Your Heart Out” and “Blow Your Mind are instant AOR classics and should instantly be played on the airwaves.
Lions comes to a close with the big anthemic, “Winner Takes All.” This one will be a favorite when played live, possibly closing out a show. Love the solid and thundering drums as the song reaches its peak. The guitar solo is of completely epic proportions and Ted’s vocals really tie everything together nicely and send this incredible album off into the sunset.
Tokyo Motor Fist have smashed any misconceptions of the “sophomore slump.” This second release is an album full of great, melodic hard rock and roll. You’ve got soaring vocals, outstanding riffs and solos, a solid rhythm section, and songs that all make you want to sing your guts out. I really hope that the fellas in Tokyo Motor Fist continue to create more music and put out more albums. Music like this is sorely missed these days.
Rating: 9/10 Stars
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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