Like many bands, Finnish rockers Liverbox started as a hard-working cover band focussing on the likes of Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. Their debut in 2018 (Rock ’n’ Roll Salvation) was well received and they toured extensively up until the pandemic put the anchors on. The band comprises Ile Järvenpää (vocals), Janne Aslak Räsänen (guitar/backing vocals), Tero Nevala (bass/Keyboards/backing vocals) and Ozzi the Rose (drums). They describe themselves as “street glam rock”… I can’t argue as despite their metal influences, they do embody the kind of raucous celebratory music that Hanoi Rocks or Faster Pussycat used to deliver. The name, by the way, shall remain shrouded in mystery as an internet search suggests that a liver box is some kind of aid to self-satisfaction for men!
One listen to the excellent opening track ‘Rock ’N’ Roll Is My Religion,’ shows they have transitioned from metal covers to original, Michael Monroe-like, good-time rock with a rather neat slide solo too. They can do subtle too… ’Calling On You’ veers a bit too close to U2 for my taste, but the harmonies and bass line rescue it. ‘Hard Love’ earns instant forgiveness. ‘Reaper on Heels’ is a great closer to an outright metal song with Priestly touches and clever lyrics. ‘No One Way Ticket’ out BJ’s BJ with its slow hi-hat accompanied intro before the riff kicks in. My favourite has to be the short, sharp, punkish ‘Inside Outside’ with its Brucey bonus and great riffing.
This album may not break new ground but the ground Liverbox do cover is done so well and with humour, originality and fun that it is irresistible from the outset… well worth a listen.
The Great Spirit Of Rock ’n’ Roll is released on 18th August.
