I’ve been hearing about these guys for sometime now. Saw a tape of theirs a few weeks back at a local show and was urged to buy it, but I lagged and was scooped by someone more savvy. But, I did pounce on this record when I was going through the review bins at the Razorcake bunker. Ripper definitely look to Motörhead for musical guidance, but, at the same time, they are not a “by the numbers” clone band. They have slightly less low end in their sound and also throw in other influences from the straight-up rock and roll realm to punk. I know; you’re thinking, “Well, that’s Motörhead too.” Yeah, but these guys are a bit different. Kind of hard to explain, and maybe my mind has turned to complete mush lately. I like the opening of “Never Enough” with the bass and drums coming in right behind it. The tempo is moderate and urgent—also like the bridge towards the end—as it gives the song extra depth. The A side is the scorcher, and better lyrically as well. How can you not like a song about the Death Rider? Pretty good single.
–M.Avrg (Blackwater, blackwaterpdx.com)