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Discovered by New York Dolls guitar maestro Sylvain Sylvain, it's fair to say that the River City Rebels' quest is one to bring some good old-time glam punk back into the scene and "Hate To Be Loved" is a decent enough opening statement of intent for their mission. The screechy vocals which sound like a cross between David Johansen and Axl Rose are present and correct. The guitars swagger unashamedly like Johnny Thunders in his prime and the drummer leathers his kit like he's just caught it staring at his missus.
Yet for all their good intentions, there's something missing about "Hate To Be Loved" and it's the dreaded case of "over clean production syndrome". Like the Datsuns' first album a couple of years ago, this just doesn't sound as dirty and grimy as it ought to and that's a real shame because on this evidence, RCR are a band with a fair bit of potential. Hopefully come album number two they'll realise it.
Rating: 7/10
Reviewed by Andy James
