I am a true skeptic when it comes to new bands, and I certainly approached Buckcherry with an "oh, brother" attitude. Upon first listen, Buckcherry sounds like a head on motorcycle accident involving the Black Crowes and Whitesnake. But before the ambulance arrives, you realize that these guys have enough raw and raunchy Rock in their blood, to steal David Coverdale's girlfriend and make the Robinson brothers look as "Hard To Handle" as the Smothers Brothers.

The album gets off to kind of a slow start, but by the time "Dirty Mind" rolls around, you know these guys are in touch with greatness. Keith Nelson is far more than your run of the mill guitar player--his flexibility and obvious mastery is the Buckcherry on top of this impressive debut effort. It lags a little bit at times and there's a little too much same-ishness from one song to another, but as a whole it's a likable album. Chuck Berry--I mean Buckcherry's virgin offering is a tasty treat. Pop it in your CD slot and enjoy?