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MARK SLAUGHTER
Reflections In A Rear View Mirror

Escape Music (2015)
Rating: 8/10

With his band Slaughter, Mark sold more than five million albums worldwide back in the early 90s, including the debut Stick It To Ya (1990) and my personal favourite Fear No Evil (1995), and now with this debut solo platter the ex-Vinnie Vincent Invasion frontman has excelled himself as an artist.

Having recently seen Michael Sweet (Stryper) team up with George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob) to record the impressive Only To Rise album and former Love/Hate singer Jizzy Pearl become a sterling solo artist, it’s evident that as time passes some of these old school rockers have more to offer now than ever before.

With Reflections In A Rear View Mirror we find a man energised by the success of the single ‘Never Givin’ Up’, which pays homage to all those who have served in the military. But for me, it’s also a nod to those who may have been sceptical as to Mark Slaughter’s solo career, let alone that of his own band. It’s a steady no frills rocker and if anything, Mark’s tone reminds me of Jizzy Pearl’s dry rasp – full of emotion, often raw and yet comfortable to worm its way through any style.

The chorus of ‘Never Givin’ Up’ is infectious and features a sizzling, driving guitar provided by Mark, while Mark Goodin’s drums hold the whole thing together as a sturdy heartbeat. In spite of the glowing reviews for the single mind, for me it’s not the best track and that says something for the quality on offer here.

Opener ‘Away I Go’ begins with the killer line, “I am the gypsy boy from Mars, I count the good times by the stars, In the dark is where I roam, In a heart well that’s my home”, and from hereon it’s a sizzling rocker of a track featuring killer cool melodies and a hard, driving rhythm.

The big tunes keep coming, though, Mark never reverting to filler but instead chomping at the bit and keeping us guessing from that riotous opener to the chugging menace of ‘Miss Elainious’, and then from the summery jangles of ‘Carry Me Back Home’ with its soulful vocal croons.

‘The Real Thing’ harkens back to the late 80s with its joyous, upbeat qualities and soaring vocal attributes, while ‘Baby Wants’ is a cool, reflective ballad that builds tremendously exhibiting soul and clever lyrics.

‘Don’t Turn Away’ features guest vocals from Gena Johnson; it’s a stirring love song although for me it’s the weakest track on the opus, sounding like something better suited to a Disney soundtrack. Thankfully though, all can be forgiven with the energetic pomp of ‘Somewhere Isn’t Here’, which harkens back to Slaughter’s Fear No Evil with its bubblegum rock stomp and sugary sweet vocals.

‘In Circle Flight’ begins with a slick flute and piano marrying, and again builds nicely as an inspiring instrumental which in turn leads us to the final brace of tracks. The first of these is the excellent ‘Velcro Jesus’ with its rolling riffs and catchy chorus, while ‘Deep In Her Heart’ takes an unexpected twist and features a cool, smoky saxophone and Mark’s equally exquisite vocals. Once again it’s evidence of how Mark Slaughter can put his voice to anything and remains one of rock’s most underrated frontmen.

I sincerely hope that Reflections In A Rear View Mirror gets the praise it deserves, because with so many modern artists reverting to type, it’s refreshing that the likes of Mark are offering up versatility music-wise, which in turn complements the voice.

This debut offering may not be an all-out metal attack, but that’s not what I expected because knowing his talent I anticipated an emotional, soulful and nicely textured rock record, and that’s exactly what I got… and more. With only one of the 11 tracks being not up to my liking, all I can say is that Mark Slaughter’s solo opus is one to savour.

Neil Arnold

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