Arcade - s/t (1993)

A likeable record featuring the vocal sneer of Stephen Pearcey of Ratt fame. This is sultry sunshine melodic rock that boasts a handful of real corkers. Whilst grunge was busy destroying metal, it sounds like Pearcey and co didn't give a damn, and instead produced this mighty fine opus. Naturally there are elements of Ratt, and moreso Aerosmith but in general this has a more clearer and professional and certainly more serious feel, 'Cry No More' is a fantastic ballad and nice to hear Fred Coury of Cinderella rattlinga way on the drums. Arcade have a really pure rock sound, the bass lead rocker 'Nothin' To Lose' has an infectious strut, Pearcey on fine form here, but the most wondrous of tracks has to eb the piano-infested 'So Good, So Bad,' a real tear jerker and Pearcey becomes a real star on this record. Arcade only released two albums, but be thankful for that, because at times this is hot melodic metal. 7.5/10