Talk about going for the throat. Only halfway through their twelve-song debut, the Four Horsemen deliver three manifestoes – "Rockin' Is Ma' Business," "Can't Stop Rockin' " and "Let It Rock" – and enough Marshall-stack frenzy to render them the van-guard in the flourishing boogie renaissance. And with Guns n' Roses, the Black Crowes and a horde of lesser guitar obsessives having made the radio safe for a return to rock fundamentalism, this crew should soon be massive.

Except for Brit rhythm guitarist Haggis, a former member of the Cult, these guys are L.A. bar-band misfits, and their style, especially that of powerhouse vocalist Frank Starr, reflects that brawling scene. Dave Lizmi's scorching lead lines, however, easily recall such Jacksonville, Florida, outfits as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Black-foot and .38 Special – and the influences don't stop there. In fact, part of the fun of this album is in sifting through its bag of quotes: Aerosmith's jauntiness on "Tired Wings"; chanted choruses that echo Kiss; the fusion of the Yardbirds' "I'm a Man" motif with ZZ Top's adrenalin blues on "Can't Stop Rockin'"; and the troglodyte stomp of vintage AC/DC.

What makes these songs more than a game of Name That Riff, though, is expert playing and the happy fury of the sound. Rick Rubin produces, and the percussive crunch he lent Run-D.M.C. is echoed in the sonic boom of drummer Ken Montgomery (who calls himself Dimwit). With Slayer, Rubin captured the bite of assault guitars; for the Horsemen, he achieves the effect of Chuck Berry on overdrive.

Feeding Starr's vocals through a simulated CB on the raucous "Moonshine" is a fine, fun touch that underscores the band's humor, a grace note that's rare for the Horsemen's genre. And subtle pop-song embellishments (organ fills, maracas, hand claps) lend buoyancy to their attack. Make no mistake, however – in reviving the great mythology of the rocker as out-law and rebel, the Four Horsemen are rock & roll true believers, and the intensity of their music attests to the fire of their faith. (RS 613)

PAUL EVANS