DEADRINGER

DEADRINGER is anything but a band of unknowns. The band's line-up includes well-known figures from the hard-rock scene, such as the tandem of Dennis Dunaway and Neal Smith (ALICE COOPER), Joe Bouchard(BLUE OYSTER CULT), Jay Jesse Johnson (Arc Angel) and Charlie Huhn (Ted NUGENT and VICTORY) - a five-star cast for a shooting star who only took the time to record one album, the famous Electrocution Of The Heart.
And this album did indeed electrify the heart with its blend of seventies sounds, eighties melodies and mellow keyboards, all topped with a thick layer of multiple vocals. Simple, almost humble songs, that spoke to lovers of harmonies and instrumental delicacy, without neglecting the contribution of violence (Summa Cum Loud", which the BOC will cover live, "Everybody Rock" or "Balls Out", hard as hell). DEADRINGER played the game of its time, while refusing to submit to all its rules. That's why the luxury quintet indulged in a little more personal stuff, far removed from the Billboard canon.
There's no sentimentality here, just first-rate melodic hard rock, with allusions to the AOR repertoire of the early part of the decade. In this way, "Secret Eyes" had what it took to seduce fans of the FM band, who themselves revelled in this harmonious, supple rock, perfect for their frequencies.
In short, a magnificent balance between power and softness, in the manner of a deluxe KING KOBRA, and enough to make the American masses fall in love. Released a little late and facing fierce competition, Electrocution Of The Heart quickly became a hidden treasure, unearthed by Internet enthusiasts, and in 2024 still without a proper reissue, until Bad Reputation came into play.
 Electrocution Of The Heart richly deserves this tribute.