War and Peas

Saigon Kick was one of those rare bands that came on the glam metal scene late and was able to successfully ride the wave of alternative hysteria.

Their first album simply called Saigon Kick, didn't break any boundaries but the four Florida rockers broke  big with 1992's The Lizard.

The Lizard contained the hit single "Love is on the Way."

Vocalist Matt Kramer, guitarist Jason Bieler, bassist Tom DeFile and drummer Phil Varone formed Saigon Kick in 1988. Since that time, there's been a slew of line-up changes.

While many glam bands struggled through the 90s (like Motley Crue and Poison) and others never made it beyond cult status (like Hanoi Rocks) Saigon Kick was able to morph from glam, to alternative to semi-grunge without alienating their core fan base. 

I was recently reminded of "Love is on the Way" while mindlessly flipping through pages on iTunes. For whatever reason I had completely forgotten about this melodic tune and the band. When I downloaded the song and really listened to the lyrics I was instantly struck by the quality of the writing. "Love is on the Way" has a haunting tempo, making it the kind of track that cuts right into your soul.

Ex-frontman Matt Kramer is working on many solo projects including a book of poetry, set for release early next month. In 2002, he released the album War and Peas. 

Kramer is the proud owner of the Lascivious Recording record label.

I think War and Peas sounds like early Saigon Kick. You can purchase the disc at www.mattkramer.net.

Comments

[Metal Mark]

I got the Lizard out of the bargain bin for like $2.00 a few years ago, but I rarely listen to it.

[Tattooed Beat Messiah]

Hey there -- just wanted to say I love your site. I found it when you posted on www.mamasfallenangels.com a/k/a www.hairmetalblog.blogspot.com) today. Thanks for checking us out -- and I'm gonna book mark you as well.

[Tattooed Beat Messiah]

Hey there -- just wanted to say I love your site. I found it when you posted on www.mamasfallenangels.com a/k/a www.hairmetalblog.blogspot.com) today. Thanks for checking us out -- and I'm gonna book mark you as well.

[aXe mAn]

Yes, Saigon Kick was a pretty good band!
I enjoyed their "The Lizard" album!!

[Hard Rock Hideout]

You know, its funny. I own a copy of the Lizard, and I haven't listened to it in quite a while. Probably because Saigon Kick is one of those bands that is in active rotation on XM41, The Boneyard. They play them quite often. I think I get just enough SK to whet my appetite that way.

Good to see them talked about again!

[Scott "The Ripper"]

A killer track from that CD was "Body Bag" which is available on our request line. It's very very heavy for Saigon Kick!