MASS • Swiss Connection LP

Strand Records 1981
Swiss Connection, MASS's fifth album, is full of decent Metal infused Rock that straddles the line somewhere between AC/DC and NWOBHM stalwarts SAXON. This certainly isn't gonna melt yer face, but a few of the songs ("Shoot Out", "Time Runs Out", "Dead End Rider Back Street Fighter") are well crafted, catchy proto-Metal romps that satisfy in spite of their derivativity (hey new word!). The highlight of Swiss Connection is guitarist Dave Schreiber's ripping lead style - he tears it up in wailing Nugent-esque frenzies of bluesy balls-out mayhem. Unfortunately, like most bands who blatantly cop AC/DC's style, MASS wind up sounding mediocre and boring. It's weird cuz that's the antithesis of all things AC/DC - I don't get it! All-in-all not a bad record, but not outstanding by any means.
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