ZAK DANIELS AND THE O.E.S., SNAKELAND CD REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

Every now and again throughout my years of being a music fan, I’ve had the pleasure of running across great new music by mistake. Zak Daniels and The One Eyed Snakes latest release 'Snakeland' is one of those albums. Sent to me to review, their cover reminded me instantly of the old Whitesnake album covers. Hmmm.. looks promising I told myself as I pulled it out of its package. Then, I put the CD on. Wow! Right from the opening track "Pay," I was blown away! Solid chunky riffs and fantastic vocals caught me right away. Upon further listen I realized that these guys have a sound borrowed from some other great bands but still have a sound that’s all their own. The musicianship of Zak & The O.E.S. is outstanding especially guitarist Jim Katsikides. Where’s this guy been hiding out at? And why isn’t he on the cover of Guitar World magazine? Oh yes, he’s not wearing a mask or is a punk with no talent. Stupid Me! Jim’s playing shines through out this CD, and makes you perk up your ears and make you listen for what hot riff or lead he’s gonna play next. Good examples of his fine fretwork are on the tracks "Silicone," "Bar Hoppin’ Blues," "Hollywood Sleazer," "Hearts Break Easy" and the riff heavy "Leg Jam." But really all eleven tracks are solid on this album. One thing I really like about the album is that the eleven tracks clock in at just under fourty five minutes, you don’t get bored with another fifteen minutes worth of throw away material. This is a solid CD from start to finish. And if you’re up for some great new music I’d highly recommend 'Snakeland.' I’ll give it five out of five fangs.