AXE – Offering [Rock Candy remaster] 2024, MP3+FLAC

now we have one of the most beloved first half of the ’80s rock albums: AXE 1982’s “Offering“, a classic, in its Rock Candy Records remastered reissue.

The name AXE probably conjures up visions of a seething and full-on heavy metal band and, although there’s nothing wrong with that, this band are far more nuanced. In fact, the band’s music, whilst definitely hard rock, is imbued with accessible elements of melody and precision. The songs are well written and produced, with the apparent acknowledgement of a need to advance their craft towards a classy, perhaps more commercial, focal point.
Guitarist and vocalist Bobby Bath formed the band in Gainsville, Florida, during the late Seventies. Initially named Babyface, they mutated into Axe after a couple of years and signed to MCA, issuing two reasonably well received albums of pomp/melodic rock before switching record label to Atco records and releasing ‘Offering’ in 1982.
Produced by manager Al Nalli (well known for his association with Blackfoot), for album #3 AXE sharpen their sound, and the LP attracted praise for its direct approach and concise songwriting. It was also a record that found the band playing to bigger audiences in the USA, supporting the Scorpions, KISS and Judas Priest, whilst getting unexpected airplay with songs such as ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Party In The Streets’ and ‘Now Or Never’.

AXE were heavier than Journey, though they were just as melodic. They weren’t as hard as TKO or Legs Diamond, but there are some similarities there as well. At places, we find a Sammy Hagar vibe as well, but that’s probably just because of the cover of Montrose’s ‘I Got the Fire’, which manages to burn as brightly as the original.
Dipping back into their more complex previous music, the six minute long ‘Silent Soldiers’ showcases the band in full-on pomp rock glory but with a much heavier edge than they had before.

The bottom line is that Axe’s sound on this third album is rocking, melodic, and radio friendly. It’s obvious why “Rock n’ Roll Party in the Streets” was a hit, but songs like “Holdin’ On” and “Steal Another Fantasy” could just as easily have become party anthems.
‘Offering’ is just a superb 1982 melodic hard rock album, plenty of great songs and just about zero filler.
A Must Have in your collection.

01 – Rock ‘N’ Roll Party In The Streets
02 – Video Inspiration
03 – Steal Another Fantasy
04 – Jennifer
05 – I Got The Fire
06 – Burn The City Down
07 – Now Or Never
08 – Holdin’ On
09 – Silent Soldiers

Bobby Barth (guitar, lead vocals)
Mike Osbourne (guitar, vocals)
Edgar Riley (keyboards, vocals)
Mike Turpin, Wayne Hayner (bass)
Teddy Mueller (drums, percussion)

MP3 FLAC