Child's Play is a hard rock band from East Baltimore, Maryland. The group was formed in 1983 in with Larry Hinshaw (lead vocals), Brian Jack (guitar), Phil Wiser (bass), Jimmy Shafer (guitar), and Steve Albinak (drums). The group later evolved with the addition of John Allen on drums and Nicky Kay on lead guitar.
This lineup solidified and formed the basis of a surge in popularity through the Mid-Atlantic region during the mid-eighties, with constant touring and the release of their first EP, Ruff House, in 1986. The band was particularly popular in Baltimore rock venues such as Seagull Inn, Hammerjacks, and the Capricorn.
With their second and final album recently reissued / remastered, let’s have a ride on CHILD’S PLAY major label debut album 1990’s “Rat Race“. The CD has been pretty hard for years with copies being sold for U$D 100 for a domestic pressing, even more this Japanese edition.
Formed in the mid-Eighties, CHILD’S PLAY brand of melodic hard rock got the attention of Chrysalis Records with their self-managed cassette. Produced by expert Howard Benson, “Rat Race” release was delayed until 1990, however it was well received with a video on heavy rotation on MTV.
While part of the second half of the ’80s American Rock wagon, CHILD’S PLAY style was quite different. If you have any pre-conceived notions about this being “glam metal” or a “hair band”, just push play on this sucker. Yeah, it was released toward the twilight of the whole Californian era, but these guys rock with bite from track 1 all the way through.
“Rat Race” is one of the finest late 80s / early 90s albums that many of you have probably never even heard of. The record features a streamlined lineup from the previous EP. Adding singer / rhythm guitarist Brian Jack was a major upgrade to the band. Also new bassist Idzi gave the group a solid foundation on songs such as “Capricorn/Bang Bang”.
Jack’s vocals are the bedrock of what should sound like for this genre. Raspy yet melodic with some hints of falsetto here and there. He also play rhythm guitar on the album, with the occasional guitar solo such as on the title track where he plays the second lead towards the end of the song.
Nicky Kay’s playing on this album is some of the most underrated guitar work in any Hard Rock or Metal band / album from the era. Some of the most impressive guitar riffs and solos are featured by Kay on this album. John Allen’s drum work is undeniably solid, enhanced by the ‘big reverb’ from the era.
The song “Wind” got a bunch of air time on Z-Rock radio. Child’s Play started to hit it big, then same old story; in an overcrowded scene, the record label didn’t give the band the necessary promotion punch. Child’s Play were dropped next year, however they stay together and released another very good album by themselves.
We don’t care if this album was released in 1979, ’90, ’99, or ’19, the crunch emanating from these rockin’ songs is timeless. It’s such a shame “Rat Race” has become so hard to find on CD, it needs a reissue pronto.
1. Good Ol' Rock And Roll (4:25)
2. Day After Night (3:28)
3. My Bottle (4:39)
4. Rat Race (3:28)
5. Wind (3:50)
6. Evicted (3:48)
7. Knock Me Out (3:28)
8. Girl Like You (3:44)
9. Capricorn - Bang Bang (3:58)
10. Pay Your Dues (3:12)
11. Damned If I Do (3:48)
12. When Hell Freezes Over (3:33)
John Allen - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Brian Jack - lead vocals, guitars
Idzi - bass,backing vocals
Nicky Kay - guitars, backing vocals
CHILDS PLAY – RAT RACE (1990) Japan CD
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