"Lipservice" is already the eighth studio album of the Swiss hard rock band Gotthard. The band was formed by Steve Lee, the vocalist of this group, whose raspy voice is actually the most distinctive feature of Gotthard's music. It suits the music really well.

The songs on 'Lipservice' are basic hard rock with lyrics concerning mostly love... the lyrics even got me thinking of Def Leppard. It's a shame Gotthard hasn't got anything new to offer, since it'll definitely be hard for them to stand out from the plethora of bands in this genre. For the most part, there isn't much depth to their songs, but occasionally there are also fairly successful parts. Nonetheless, it's somewhat disappointing to hear "retouched" riffs from old hit songs every now and then. For example, on "The Other Side of Me" one can hear a riff reminiscent of Steppenwolf's "Born to Be Wild". In any event, it might be a pure coincidence, but I highly doubt that.

Production-wise Lipservice is quite good, but has its weaknesses. For example, the cymbals could have been mixed better and the mix could have been more airy. In addition, there's something lacking, but I just can't put my finger on it.

There's definitely an audience for this album, and I reckon that audience would be haphazard listeners of hard rock and those who don't seek originality from music, but instead are happy with any easy-listening music (basically the majority of music consumers). So, in case you're looking for a basic hard rock album, you should definitely give Gotthard's Lipservice a chance...

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- MAGE (June 8th, 2005)

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LINE-UP:
Lee, Steve: Vocals Lynn, Marc: Bass Habegger, Hena: Drums Leoni, Leo: Guitars Scherer, Freddy: Guitars
Producer:	Leoni, Leo & Prent, Roland
Mixing by:	Prent, Roland
Mastering by:	Prent, Roland

	TRACKLIST:
	01. All We Are 02. Dream on 03. Lift 'U' Up 04. Everything I Want 05. Cupid Arrow 06. I Wonder 07. I'm Alive 08. I've Seen an Angel Cry 09. Stay for the Night 10. Anytime Anywhere 11. Said & Done 12. The Other Side of Me 13. Nothing Left at All 14. And Then Goodbye Length: 53:05