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The sleaze rock band Hotel Diablo was formed in early 2011, when vocalist Rick Stitch and guitarist Alex Grossi had just finished a world tour with the original Guns 'n' Roses drummer Steven Adler and his band Adler's Appetite.

Along with Mike Duda on bass and Mike Dupke behind the drum kit, they have made an album in so-called classic California-based rock. With Gilby Clark from Guns 'n' Roses and Matt Starr as producers they have made a debut album, which sounds promising. "The Return to Psycho, California" sounds a bit like GNR, but actually taste even stronger in the more modern 'Buck Cherry', 'Velvet Revolver', 'Bang Tango' style.

The vocals are brilliant and the melodies are so easily digested that it doesn't take so many spins until you have found your favorite tunes. The cover of the Oasis song 'Wonderwall' is actually really good, although I dislike covers that not provide anything new or extra in addition to the original sound. With a tough introductory track 'Taken', which is a blackened rock smoker, which kicks-off the disc in a marvelous way. 'All These Years' is also one of the top songs on the disc with great choruses and a dusty, dirty sound.

The greasy and tenacious ballad ' What You Do To Me' is a true last dance song of the evening. The title track is a burst of energy and has a angry up-tempo pace. Best track on the disc is 'Wicked Lines' with splendid melodies, masterful guitars and lead heavy drumming. The end track is a killer too, 'Trigger' is a groovy sleaze track with the right swag.

Hotel Diablo is an enjoyable and pleasant acquaintance. We will - hopefully - hear more from these guys!

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