Spanish rockers S.N.A.K.E. definitely have their hearts in the right place – the end of 1987, if I’m not mistaken – and their undoubted enthusiasm for their subject matter and sincerity of delivery takes them a fair way on their appositely-monikered third album, III. But – and it’s a big but, considering many of the biggest names from that fabled era are still extant in the marketplace – the reality of their situation sometimes falls short of the dream.

Still, all over the album little mini-victories are won, and this happens enough times to keep a smile on your face for most of the record’s duration. So, check in your frown at the door and ready yourself for some funtastic nostalgia-packed melodic hard rock…

Born To Rock adopts a sleazy, Gn’R stance, but for most of the part this album is a paean to pastel-shaded satin dustcoats and fringed leather; Coast of Gold‘s parping keys pay tribute to Helix in ‘Gimme Good Lovin” mode, and it’s this style that sees the band sitting most comfortably. That said, closing rocker adds a Scorpion sting to proceedings to pretty good effect, so maybe it’s that direction that might be most fruitful for the band moving forward. Or backwards…

H.E.A.T.‘s Jonah Tee makes a backing vocal appearance, which is an undoubted bonus, but they should really have tapped him up for his production nous; Vocalist Frankie Troisi isn’t a bad singer, but he’s far too high in the mix throughout, exposing his voice to unfair scrutiny and actually spoiling the listening experience on a couple of tracks. This isn’t criticism of the singer, by the way, but it is a suggestion to help him get the best out of his talents to the mutual benefit of band and audience.

All in all then, a bit of a curate’s egg, but, as noted, there is enough of merit here to warrant a listen, and if you are lucky enough to get an album complete with bonus track you’ll get to hear the band’s version of Heaven Is A Place On Earth for good measure!

III is out now.