Formed in the USA in 1980, D V C’s main attention was focused on the fact that drummer John Bolin was the younger brother of the late Tommy Bolin (DEEP PURPLE). This fact attracted substantial press coverage and the band got a deal with Alfa Records (a CBS subsidiary). The group’s 1981 self-titled debut also included a Tommy Bolin’s ‘Teaser’ cover version, heavily played by radio stations across the country, achieving the audience attention. I like D V C’s version of ‘Teaser’ much more than the original from T. Bolin’s LP, and it tops Motley Crue’s 1989 version too. But the winner here is the opener ‘Let Me Be Your Fantasy’, a really good early ’80s AOR tune, highly radiable and contagious.
The rest of the disc is more midwestern AOR-Rock / radio-poppy oriented, featuring an interesting dual guitar interplay between Forest and Bartle, and accurate vocal performances. DVC toured extensively supporting VAN HALEN, JOHN ‘COUGAR’ MELLENCAMP and DARE FORCE, recording in-between their second LP, but abruptly the label deal and the upcoming ’82 tour fell apart. The group disbanded shortly after, and Johnnie Bolin joined DARE FORCE (Makin’ Our Own Rules). This is a cool album, sounds a little bit outdated, but it’s a clear example of the seminal AOR scene.
D V C – D V C (1981)
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