Artist: Milan Polak Album: Straight Label: Lion Music Website: http://www.milanpolak.com Reviewer: Chris Piccirillo

Track List: Difference (04:09) Psychobitch (03:14) Crosses (04:02) Hero (04:54) Favorite Vice (04:38) Some Kind Of Jesus (03:51) All I Want (04:25) Superstar Mania (04:17) Straight (02:50) Happy Now? (03:12) I Don't Care (04:39) Free After All (03:41) The Glowing Of A Cigarette (05:07) The Austrian born guitarist Milan Polak has been involved in many aspects of the music spectrum, from shred guitar releases to producing 90’s dance acts to working with Falco (yes, the Rock Me Amadeus guy). His take on music comes from his upbringing and constant movement during his youth. He’s lived in Korea, Kenya, Saudi-Arabia, Germany, Singapore, Italy and the US really giving him a look into many cultures and styles of music. On this CD, Milan eschewes the world music touches for straight ahead rock and roll. Think Van Halen, Bad Company, Extreme, Ozzy and AC/DC with a modern touch and a guitar master at the helm. His bluesy voice is a wonderful asset to turn guitar rock into a radio-worthy release. The tremendous backing musicians behind him undoubtedly add tons of attitude and skill to these tracks. They play together as if the band has been in existence for years. The songs basically fall into a few catagories from straight (no pun intended) ahead hard rock to acoustic ballads and blues rock. Standouts include the groovy and bluesy “Superstar Mania” and “The Glowing of A Cigarette”, the anthemic “Difference”, and the Kings X influenced “Free After All”. This is a great debut vocal CD for Milan and the songs are all solid rock tunes infusing great playing and solid songwriting. If you’re a fan of the hard and bluesy rock genres, this CD is a straight up winner (Ok, that pun was intended). Band Members: Milan Polak (Guitar, Vocals) Randy Coven (Bass) John Macaluso (Drums) Fabio Trentini (Bass)