Hericane Alice were a heavy metal band from Minneapolis, MN. They were originally
called The Employers in the early 80's and then changed their name to
Hurricane Alice. The band were forced to change their name again to Hericane
Alice due to a conflict with the California band Hurricane.
Hurricane Alice (independent/CDR) 1986
1. "Don't Say Goodbye"
(4:23)
2. "Coming Home" (4:52)
3. "When It's Over" (5:47)
4. "Rock You All Night Long" (4:58)
5. "After the Storm" (4:38)
6. "Turn Your Back" (3:10)
7. "December" (4:35)
Metalheads in the 35+ can probably remember a time when heavy metal was about attitude, heavy riffs, catchy songs, big hair and fun. That is exactly what Hurrican Alice offer. Apparently this band was a huge draw in their hometown of Minneapolis in the early-to-mid 80's and this short album was released during that time. Having heard this after hearing the band's sophmore, major label album, it's hard for me not to compare the two. However, the only thing the two albums share is vocalist Bruce Naumann. The rest of the band on this album apparently didn't make the move to L.A. and subsequently are not on the band's Atlantic follow-up. In anycase, the music here is pure heavy metal with a bit of that early L.A. sound that bands like Ratt, Dokken and Crue had. Unfortunately when bringing up those names, most people seem to think about sappy ballads and radio hits, but those more familiar with the beginnings of the LA metal scene will remember that most of the band's started out with a fairly heavy sound. That heavy sound is exactly what this album has. Heavy power chords, memorable, sing-along anthems, ample guitar solos, and screaming vocals. Actually, on this album, Bruce Naumann reminded me a bit of Robert Plant at times, with his helium high screams. That is not to say there isn't a few mellower moments on this disc. What would a good 1980's heavy metal album be without at least one ballad? "When It's Over" is the typical 80's ballad here, but doesn't reek of Limburger cheese. Otherwise, the band sticks to the heavy rockers. "After the Storm" probably could have been a hit for the band had this been released on a decent label with some marketing push. Personally, while I really enjoy the band's follow-up, I think I like the debut a bit more. The raw sound brings back memories of heavy metal daze gone by. Unfortunately this album has never been officially pressed on CD and the copy I own is a CDR, bootleg, tape transfer. (Thanks Saxon1500) Hurricane Alice was only ever released on cassette and vinyl.
Hericane Alice - Tear the House Down (Atlantic) 1990
1. "Wild Young and Crazy" (4:22)
2. "Bad to Love" (3:31)
3. "Dream Girl" (5:45)
4. "Tear the House Down" (3:09)
5. "Badboy Breakout" (4:38)
6. "Need a Lover" (3:34)
7. "Too Late" (4:36)
8. "Shake, Shake, Shout" (3:10)
9. "Crank the Heat Up" (3:49)
10. "I Walk Alone" (4:12)
It's all about the attitude baby! Yes sir, Hericane Alice had the look, the name, the label backing, and personified just about every cliché you could think of for what is no affectionately called Hair Metal. In other words these guys had a ton of attitude. However, all these things do not always add up to success, and unfortunately it didn't add up for major success for Hericane Alice. "Tear the House Down" is a decent party metal album that should appeal to fans of Britny Fox, Dirty Looks and Dangerous Toys. Bruce Naumann vocals are a point of interest and remind me slightly of Jason McMaster from Dangerous Toys, although Maumann doesn't have the same "swagger" that McMaster had. At other times he reminds me a bit of Joe Elliot as well. Another highlight of this album is the guitar work and especially some of the blazin' solos. Unfortunately despite the quality vocal performance and the good guitar work, the overall sound of this album isn't as catchy as they could have been. In other words "Tear The House Down" is not immediately memorable, which for this style of music is essential. However this CD grew on me more with repeated listens and songs like "Bad Boy Breakdown" began to stick in my head long after the CD was turned off.
Drummer Jackie Ramos also was in Bangalore Choir.