Hanoi Rocks

Hanoi Rocks was one of the few '80s-era glam acts to get it right -- basing their sound/approach on the New York Dolls rather than Van Halen. Although singer Michael Monroe found it impossible to carry on with the band after the death of drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley, by the early 21st century he must have had a change of heart. Once more, Monroe was united with guitarist Andy McCoy -- releasing Twelve Shots on the Rocks in 2002 and committing to live dates. The reunion obviously went well, because in 2005 the "new Hanoi Rocks" was ready to issue another studio effort, Another Hostile Takeover. Despite none of the other former Hanoi members being included, Monroe and McCoy have no problem re-creating the trashy glam punk of their earlier releases here, as evidenced by such tracks as the album-opening "Back in Yer Face." Surprisingly, on tracks like "The Devil in You," the group assumes a radio-friendly sound, which is sure to leave longtime fans a bit bewildered. That said, two covers that Monroe/McCoy tackle -- Phil Lynott's "Dear Miss Lonely Hearts" and Stiv Bators' "No Compromise, No Regrets" -- fare much better. Another Hostile Takeover doesn't scale the same heights as, say, Bangkok Shocks, Saigon Shakes, Hanoi Rocks, but there are enough links back to the old-time Hanoi Rocks sound for longtime fans to latch onto. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide