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If you were given the task of selecting a single word to sum up the collaboration between Bruce Kulick(KISS) and John Corabi(MOTLEY CRUE, THE SCREAM) it would be, “Big.” Gigantic waves of sound and presence that sinks the floor are this groups greatest asset and though that would be enough for most bands to take a run at the golden ring it is just the beginning for UNION.
“THE BLUE ROOM” is only album number three, (second studio), for this collective that also includes the rhythm section of Brent Fitz(drums) and Jamie Hunting(bass) yet the performance sounds much more experienced than its age would ever let on. Take “Dead” for instance, the hook is irremovable once it is in the ear and the vocal is pure rock and roll undiluted by even the slightest contrivance. Pure, there is another word worth using to describe the band.
If you are looking for growth since the first album, there isn’t much. This is still your basic straight-ahead whoop and howl rock and roll overlaid with melodies too obvious to be ignored by radio a second time. “Everything’s Alright” is custom tailored for rock revival radio without the listener being left feeling that was the original intention.
The overall sonic texture of “THE BLUE ROOM” is a few shades closer to a digitally recorded sound than the warm and fuzzy analog sound of the first album yet they manage to retain every ounce of the formers natural feeling.
KISS fans will be able to draw a bit more from “Dear Friend” which is Bruce Kulick’s personal message to his, and the rock world’s departed friend, Eric Carr. Kulick also handles the lead vocals on this track save for the chorus which Corabi belts out.
“Hypnotized” relates the story of so many Middle American girls and what happens to them when they chase that dream in New York or LA. Check Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” for reference.
“I Wanna Be” has the most flawless build that I have heard in a song for far too many years to even admit. The orchestration of guitars is subtle but make the song.
UNION should have happened in a far bigger way then they have, mostly because what they do, they do better than anyone else out there. “THE BLUE ROOM” is big in an artistic way now all that remains is to make it big in a commercial way.

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