Band:	Spanking Hour
Album:	Revo(so)lution
Style:	Thrash metal
Release date:	2010

01. Pillow
02. Reason Of My Enemy
03. Forgive Me
04. Glances
05. The Regression
06. Leash
07. Consequences
08. Revo(so)lution
09. Device
10. Anymore
11. The Pain Becomes My Treasure

Is it the spanking hour already? Really? OK, lame and not even funny jokes aside (but one has to admit that "Spanking Hour" might not be the best band name ever), let's talk music, shall we?

Even if Spanking Hour does sound funny, they are not a joke metal band. They stand on the groove side of things, a nice blend of modern, melodic hard-rock-infused thrash metal. Or something like that. They do sound 'modern metal' at times ("Leash"), but their groovy, catchy approach to songwriting is quite a change from what passes for metal mainstream these days.

The songs are played with gusto, with catchy riffs and hooks - and a great drummer behind the kit. The songs are pretty varied, from the groovy opener "Pillow" (not really a lazy song) to the aforementioned "Leash", we also have a quieter, darker number with "Forgive Me". The songwriting itself is nothing original, but solid it is. Even if it goes a bit more generic by the end of the album, sadly.

Maybe it's not groundbreaking, but it sure is a pleasant listen. Franco Campanella's voice does a lot in this respect; his voice is a bit husky - just enough to fit perfectly - and really warm. I must say, I liked it, it (hard) rocks! Plus, it feels like the band has a lot of fun playing together, rehearsing and recording, and that's for sure a nice bonus!

For a first effort, this Revo(so)lution is quite good indeed. To be honest, it has no real flaw? unless 'somewhat forgettable' is one. But, if Spanking Hour are as catchy live as they are on album, I'm sure they are worth checking out. Now that I've wrote it, I'm quite curious to see them onstage. With loads of beers and friends to party with, I guess they'll kick some asses!