I have been thinking for quite a while that the way forward here at HRH are shorter, punchier reviews; especially for the type of CD’s that really don’t lend themselves to having much written about them. This is one of those CD’s.  There’s noting I can’t say in a few words that wouldn’t be every bit as accurate as the two or three paragraphs that you may or may not be about to read. 

In reality I would like to say that Daggers, Lust and Disgust is simply adequate. Thank you and goodnight. What’s that Mr Editor? You need more? OK – it’s technically proficient and decidedly unmemorable in every way. Sometimes I feel that there are far too many CD’s being pushed out into the market place that just don’t cut the metaphorical mustard and that we’d all be better off if they weren’t ruining the environment by being pressed up. 

Sarasin A.D. are led by vocalist Phil Naro who lists a veritable plethora of lower league artists on his CV who have utilised his songs. Coney Hatch, Lee Aaron and Peter Criss are amongst them and perhaps if you could name any of their collaborations with Mr Naro you should get out a tad more. There’s no lack of endeavour on Daggers ... and indeed no lack of variety. There’s the semi acoustic style of Bring Forth a Sound, the much more rocking Woken @ Noon and Makes Sense and even the Glenn Hughes-ish sound of Jeanie’s Gone Crazy but now that the CD has stopped spinning and I’m relying on my notes, I can’t remember any of them and therein lies the rub, there’s no inspiration here. It’s hard rock by numbers and frankly, I’ve heard it all before.

Simon Bray