Robb Roy - Days of Pride & Hunger

All Music Guide

The third release from Detroit postgrungers Robb Roy doesn't mark a great leap forward for the band. They exhibit a strong taste for big, groupsung refrains, but the refrains for the most part aren't catchy or rangy enough to justify the treatment. At its core, Days of Pride Hunger is middling work on every level, lapsing frequently into overearnest displays of facile emotions. There are moments of bright inspiration, such as the risible chorus and grooving bass line on the title track (a song strangely reminiscent of Eric Clapton's “Let It Rain"). “Scrapin' By" has a fine, catchy structure, while “I Sleep" is an intricately arranged and sincerely sung ballad not far removed from Bon Jovi's work in the postgrunge era. But these moments are overwhelmed by a few too many mediocre tracks, material that might have worked a bit better in the '80s album rock scene. Lead vocalist Graham Strachan sings with confidence, but not urgency, failing to make a case for why his songs need to be heard.... Robb Roy could probably master corporate rock if their hooks could catch “Roll On" sounds like a car commercial, and indeed, was licensed to GM but Days of Pride Hunger isn't at that level, existing only as an occasionally inspired pedestrian workout. - Joseph McCombs, All Music Guide Read more Less