CD Asphalt Valentine – Strip Rock Roll

Asphalt Valentine bursts onto the scene with their debut release, Strip Rock Roll, a high-octane homage to the glory days of the Sunset Strip. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, this five-piece outfit delivers a "white-knuckled" brand of hard rock that captures the swagger of Motley Crüe, the grit of Buckcherry, and the melodic sensibilities of Velvet Revolver.

Produced by Andy Reilly and the band themselves, the album is a definitive entry in the modern sleaze rock revival. Critics have praised the record for its "balls-to-the-wall" energy, infectious hooks, and the "ambitious, bluesy fretwork" of guitarists Brett Ciaramella and Evan McKee. While deeply rooted in the 80s hard rock tradition, the band subtly infuses their Georgia roots into the music, offering a distinctive Southern-tinged swagger on tracks like "Love and Gone."

Key Tracks:

• "Don’t Come Easy": A standout bluesy glam-rocker reminiscent of Long Cold Winter-era Cinderella.
• "Never Lose It": A hard-charging opener that sets the "rip-roaring" pace of the record.
• "Strip Rock Roll": The definitive title track that exemplifies their "straight-ahead" rock philosophy.
• "It’s Not Me": A "dynamo" of a track featuring strong riffs and a catchy chorus.

If you are looking for an album that prioritizes infectious power chords and "gut-level" rock and roll, Strip Rock Roll is a worthy addition to your collection. It is a savvy, robust debut from a band that clearly has the chops to lead the new wave of hard rock.