WAYSTED – ‘Vices’ / ‘Save Your Prayers’ (Cherry Red)
Formed by former UFO bassist Pete Way in 1983 (after co founding Fastway and immediately bailing for contractual reasons), their debut Vices also features guitarists Paul Raymond and Ronnie Kayfield, vocalist Fin and former Def Leppard drummer Frank Noon. ‘Sleazy’ and ‘Night Of The Wolf’ are great tracks, there are some true gems here.
The band went through several line-up changes before recording their 3rd album. Originally released in 1986, Pete Way is joined by guitarist Paul Chapman (ex UFO), drummer John Diteodoro and vocalist Danny Vaughn, and it’s a solid and heavy yet polished affair.
‘Hell Comes Home’ really stands out – catchy, crunchy, good harmonies, and ‘Heroes Die Young’ matches it after an acoustic start. This is really a wonderful mid 80s album; while the debut album was good, it sounds a little sludgy and clunky compared to this.
Both excellently packaged with bonus tracks and sleevenotes, well worth searching out. ‘Vices’ 6.75/10 / ‘Save Your Prayers’ 8/10
Joe Geesin