Like the dangerous predator on the prowl that they adopted their namesake from, "Great White" still shows no signs of quitting as they embark on the new journey afforded them with what should prove to be the proper backing. Unlike many of their class, "Great White" never has slowed down or taken time off for other projects or timelier returns. In fact, this is the first new music I've personally heard from them since "Hooked," and that's going back a ways. The problem was much of the follow-up material had been difficult to come by and received basically no publicity. But "Letting It Rock" again, Russell and company bite back hard, with a new album that firmly re-establishes their Rock and Roll roots.

With an album cover eerily coincident with what's happened to the once illustrious Hollywood Rock scene, a massive flood washes away the glorious Sunset Strip with the band, in the form of the great white hunter lurking beneath, are ready for the attack! Perseverance usually pays off in the end, and for bands that refuse to give up or give in, they're shot may not be too far off. Like the earlier album of the same name, it might well be a "Shot In The Dark," but it remains to be seen. When we do finally get from there to here, what might we expect? Well for starters, this album is vintage "Great White," following from their prominent "Once Bitten" days on down. My problem is I keep hoping they'll dig down deep every so often and another "On Your Knees" or "Bad Boys" will spew forth, but they never do. Too bad! But, on the other hand, there's plenty of classic Rock and Roll here in the form of "Rollin' Stoned," Saint Lorraine" and "Gone To The Dogs," that'll leave their mark on fans from the bygone era.

There is also more than enough light Rock fare as well that I reserve calling actual ballads - at least in the comparative sense of a "Save Your Love" which first jump started their commercial success. The lighter sounds do possess the same adrenaline-driven energy of the rockers, as Russell's vocals have never sounded so determined, and the band just clicks. "Wooden Jesus" stands alone as one of my favorites, while others, such as "Loveless Age" and "Hey Mister" offer slightly different twists without lacking in the original firepower that's always accompanied this great band's sense of purpose.