Notorious - Radio Silence (2023)

Continuing the Angel Air label's exploration of the Robin George back catalog, Radio Silence takes us back to 1985 and his continuing partnership with Sean Harris, for a project that might never have got off the ground during its own lifespan, but which certainly didn't perish due to lack of ability. This is solid '80s rock and make no mistake, a ferocious look back at the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, fed through the deliciously distorting lens of George's anthemic guitars and Harris' oh-so-distinctive voice. Fifteen songs were recorded in George's home studio, with the idea of creating an album of savage immediacy; unfortunately, neither the record industry nor George's own sense of perfection moved fast enough, and the album eventually vanished up its own over-produced and over-analyzed backside. This set returns it to its original form, rough, raw, and ready, with the single "S'Walk" still sounding superb, and the rest of the set made to match. The radio did remain silent for Notorious, but it was the broadcasters' mistake, not the band's. © Dave Thompson