High Gear is the first studio album by the American hard rock band Howe II, released in 1989 through Shrapnel Records. Howe II was a short-lived group fronted by guitarist Greg Howe and his brother Albert, a singer.[1]
Critical reception
Andy Hinds at AllMusic reviewed positively the album, saying that "The songs on High Gear are good, the riffs are killer, and the execution is flawless." He praised Greg's guitar playing as "more effective than ever; focused like a laser, his brilliant solos drive home the point of the songs rather than being the point of the songs" and likened Albert's vocals to David Lee Roth. More praise went to the band overall: "The entire band plays with an articulate, inspired precision and energy that is truly awesome."[1] Canadian journalist Martin Popoff described the album as "a rhythmic good time metal party" and the production as "a bit blocky, but vital like Van Halen".[2]
Track listing
All tracks written by Albert Howe and Greg Howe.
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| 1. | "High Gear" | 4:41 |
| 2. | "Carry the Torch" | 4:01 |
| 3. | "Strat-O-Various" | 1:13 |
| 4. | "Disorderly Conduct" | 4:33 |
| 5. | "Thinking of You" | 5:02 |
| 6. | "Standing on Line" | 3:32 |
| 7. | "Ferocious" | 4:34 |
| 8. | "Don't Let the Sloe Gin (Order the Wine)" | 5:08 |
| 9. | "Party Favors" | 3:30 |
| 10. | "Social Fever" | 5:48 |
| Total length: | 42:02 |
Personnel
- Howe II
- Guest musicians
- Production
- Steve Fontano – producer, engineer, mixing
- Joe Marquez – assistant engineer
- George Horn – mastering at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California
- Kerry Doyle – cover art guitar customization
References
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| Studio albums | |
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| Compilations | |
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| Howe II | |
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| Maragold | |
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| Collaborations | |
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