AMZ Music Zine

6-99  Mary Ellen Gustafson

Sometimes the truth is standing so close to you that you can't see it. I've been shifting allegiances over the last two years or so from heavy metal and hard rock to early 70's music, especially Blues, and it seems that after these two years of withdrawal I am losing my touch. That, and the alternative/grunge thing that never appealed to me, sort of steered me away from the noisy stuff. I think that explains why I could not figure out "Enuff Z'Nuff" for what they are, an incredible metal band.

 "Paraphernalia" was released in Japan in 1998, and just this last month in the U.S. The sound is almost vintage Def Leppard and reminds me a lot of Def Leppard's "On Through The Night." The lyrics are smart, and their music stands out from the crowd of "heavy metal rap" junk that seems to be the rage lately. Also, they have both a real drummer and bassist. It was a matter of time before somebody figured out that drums and base guitars are musical instruments, not timing devices for the lead guitar and the singer (a fact lost somewhere between 1981 and 1990). Excellent.

 Some of the tracks are worthy of airtime, something that their legion of fans won't mind, since they damn well deserve the exposure. "Top Of The Hill" is really energetic, and feels a lot like "Stone Temple Pilots." "Ain't It Funny" is one of the tracks that remind of Def Leppard's "On Through The Night," but at a slightly slower pace. The rest of the tracks have a very particular sound that will fool most people into thinking this CD was released somewhere in the early 90's.

 I liked "Paraphernalia." A lot. This is an automatic purchase if you are a fan. If you are not, you should give "Enuff Z'Nuff" a chance, and you won't be disappointed. By the way, there's a track featuring Billy Corgan and "Habit." That track by itself is worth the price of the whole CD. 

Rating: **** 1/2 (of 5) 

AMZ Music Zine