Saxon - Denim and Leather (1981)^{Release ID: 3991}

Album number four from Barnsley's finest saw a continuation of their familiar blend of NWOBHM and anthemic hard rock.  Following on from their greatest moment with the previous year's Strong Arm of the Law release this album had a lot to live up to.  Whilst it doesn't quite hit the dizzy heights of its predecessor, Denim and Leather still lands its fair share of hooks and uppercuts over the course of the nine tracks on offer.

Things start lively enough with Princess of the Night , a memorable opener that sets the tone for the record well with its plodding rhythm and stabbing riffs.  As we drive through Never Surrender and Out of Control this pace continues, it gets the blood coursing nicely and sets a consistent (if not predictable) energy level for the rest of the record that rarely drops.  Oliver and Quinn's guitars weave wonderfully melodic tapestries alongside some straight-forward yet effective riffs and some tracks need these shots of lead work to perk them up a bit although sadly Play It Loud remains a sore thumb sticking out at the end of side one despite the six stringers best efforts.

Biff is on fine and familiar form, the Yorkshire twang just audible on occasion to add character to his nasal vocals.  Dawson's bass is clear as day on And the Bands Played On with its high pulse strumming dancing along with the guitars as they fire licks everywhere, the two instruments really set side two off on a driven and determined tempo that maintains the groundwork laid down on side one.  Pete Gill also delivers a consistent if unremarkable performance on the drums.  It isn't like the song structures give much opportunity for him to make huge waves behind the kit but some flurries here or there would help keep me a little more conscious of his presence overall.

I can't help but think that Saxon's golden run of albums from Wheels of Steel through the aforementioned Strong Arm of the Law came to an end with Denim and Leather.  Their classic live album The Eagle Has Landed served as an excellent dessert after a solid three course meal before it, but the studio albums never got better (or even as good as) the ones in the period of 1980-1981.