FIINKY PIE, lead by vocalist Raymz Fiink, come to us from France, presenting a style a Hard Rock the band’s bio describes as a mix of ZZ TOP, KISS, MÖTLEY CRÜE and ALICE COOPER. “Free & Wild” is FIINKY PIE’s sophomore album and to my ears comes of as a sub par blend of BEAUTIFUL CREATURES and BUCKCHERRY.

So what we really have with “Free & Wild” is 1980s Glam-influenced, party-Rock. This is a style that, if done well, can at least be fun. Unfortunately, this is not very well done. The songs all rock-out pretty well and would be fine for background music at a beer bash. However, when sitting down actually listening to “Free & Wild”, all of the songs blend together with no real identity. Then again, I suppose music like this isn’t made for a sit-down, intellectual listen.

There are, however, some positives on “Free & Wild”. There are pretty good solos throughout the album, so that’s a plus. “Rock N’ Roll” is a fun song and “Liar” has very memorable chorus and ends heavy with surprising growled vocals. It’s just too bad the rest is fairly bland.

I can only recommend FIINKY PIE’s “Free & Wild” to absolute, diehard fans of Glam-influenced Hard Rock. I really can’t see anyone else getting much out of this. (Online June 13, 2006)