Time to get high on the latest new thing from a - dare I utter it - vastly experienced older thing.

Back in good old 1989, hair and glam metal ruled the school and a stand out from that period for me was the self-titled album from Enuff Z Nuff. It contained some pretty outstanding tracks like 'New Thing' and 'Fly High Michelle' and the band rocked MTV, Worldwide radio stations and, in my case, my cassette player, my record deck and my CD player. I guess you could call me something of a fan, and I've stuck with the band through thick and thin over the years in spite of some dreadful ribbing from some of my Über colleagues.

After many initial ups, and sadly more recently, the occasional downs, Enuff Z Nuff is now down to the core duo of Donnie Vie and Chip Z'Nuff, who continue to keep the Chicago pop-rockers bandwagon rockin' and rollin' onwards and upwards. So in 2010 and after already catching the guys live twice this year (at Download and on their February tour with Faster Pussycat) here I am with their hugely anticipated UK release of 'Dissonance' that finally arrived on my doormat courtesy of Über HQ.

'Dissonance' holds up well to the traditional Enuff Z Nuff album-opening track in true fab style, whilst there are glorious powerpop melodies all over 'Fine Line'. As this album was recorded before the current excellent touring line up of the band came together, six string duties come courtesy of ex-Ozzy Osbourne/Badlands guitar-slinger Jake E Lee and drums and co-production courtesy of Vinnie Castaldo. But it's the song-writing prowess of singer Donnie Vie and bassist Chip Z Nuff that kicks it for me. 'Rollaway' sees the first signs of the band's alter ego Beatle Z Nuff whilst 'High' a live favourite already. There really does seem like a new found unity within the ranks, that was growing long before Mr Vie decided to sign up to get the band out on the road again.

'Altered States' and 'Playground' are a must for any melodic musical connoisseur who prefers substance over style. Whilst the brooding 'Sometimes' and 'Chicago', with Chip Z Nuff taking over the lead vocalist role, bookend the beautifully crafted 'Joni Lynn'. I'm not totally sure at this precise moment regarding the origins of their interpretation of the Prince 80's classic 'When Doves Cry' and another cover closes the proceedings, with an interesting version of The Beatles' 'Run For Your Life'.

Credit to Rock Candy Records and their Grind That Axe imprint for finally getting this 2009 Japanese only album a wider release, and double kudos for adding two additional tracks to that King Records version. 'Dissonance' then is most certainly worth a listen, but after catching these guys live twice already this year I'm more looking forward to their appearance at this year's Hard Rock Hell 4. The live experience is where it's at for me, catch 'em if you can.

http://www.rockcandyrecords.co.uk/

http://www.myspace.com/znuff