Mike Tramp is still cranking out records. You may know the singer from his previous act, White Lion (who actually did cut an album in 2008), but Mike’s been doing so much more over the last 10 years, it’s hard to imagine him having any time for his former mates. After White Lion’s breakup in 1992, Tramp when on to form Freak of Nature, maintaining the glam-metal sound. The three releases from the band fell on deaf ears here in America, but had some success overseas – mostly in his native country of Denmark. Freak of Nature’s last album – 1998s Outcasts – would be their last, and Tramp would go on to record 5 solo albums between 1998 and 2004, most notably More To Life Than This which was a great album and charted well internationally.
In 2005, Mike Tramp formed a new version of his old band and called it Mike Tramp’s White Lion. The name was necessary, as other White Lion members had beat Mike to the punch and had reformed with a new lead singer aboard to play festivals and state fairs everywhere. Tramp’s version of the band, playing all the classics, toured Europe for a few years, but never cut an album and inevitably fizzled out.
Never one to sit idle, Tramp convinced the other members of the original White Lion to reunite and cut another record. The end result was 2008’s Return of the Pride, and although a very compelling album, failed to return the band to its former glory. Guitarist Vito Bratta says the band is still in working order, and that a follow up is in the works for sometime late 2011/2012, but with this new release from Tramp’s new project – Mike Tramp and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Circuz – this author thinks the chances of any more White Lion albums are slim.
Which brings us to this release. Stand Your Ground is a fantastic collection of hard to mid-tempo rock songs and ballads that stands strong on today’s scene. Gone are the long hair and the tasty guitar licks, replaced with a far more earthy, almost folky vibe. But make no mistake, this album is still a rocker. The album was recorded “almost live” meaning very little was done from a production standpoint. It adds to the vibe of a very personal album. Hinting towards the blues, many of these songs tell the tales of a man who is just enjoying being alive and rockin’.
Having just turned 50, I applaud Mike Tramp for staying dedicated to the music he loves. His voice is as recognizable as ever, and though the screams have died down, he still has a great ability to carry a tune with his lyrics and vocals alone. If you’re looking for more hair-metal revival, you’ve come to the wrong place on this album – but if you like great rock with a hint at the past, pick up this gem.
Tracklist:
01 Don’t Let Them Put It On You
02 Alright By Me
03 Distance
04 Gotta Get Away
05 Straight From The Look In My Eyes
06 Got Me Crazy
07 Wish You Well
08 World Is Changing
09 Prettiest Thing
10 Say What You Will
11 The Soldier Never Started A War
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