debuted in Y2K with “Pure”, a strong set of energetic hard rock from Von Groove guitarist Mladen and renowned singer Phil Naro. It was an impressive record, every bit as strong as recent Von Groove efforts, but its somewhat familiar vibe really only hinted at what the band could achieve. (It's so easy to say that in hindsight!)

Well, they're no longer just hinting: “Bulletproof” is a wonderful improvement over its predecessor. By emphasizing catchy power pop (think Enuff Z'Nuff) and classic hard rock innovation (think Aerosmith) alongside lean, L.A.-style melodic heaviness and (of course!) a healthy helping of Von Groove's straightforward punch, the team of Mladen and Naro successfully upgraded every element of their sound. It's still not massively groundbreaking, but it's consistently inspired and engaging, with winning tracks like the blazing melodic metal title track, the funk-tinged strut and retro-tinged swirl of “Black & Blue” the light, cruising hard rock of “Get It While You Can,” and the moody depth of “Last Time I Fall In Love”.

“Bulletproof” is a bit self-conscious in the way it emphasizes its strengths --for instance, it alternates between blazing metal and gentler melodicism as if afraid to have two similar-feeling songs in a row-- which diminishes the album overall. Subtle weaknesses like that, however, don't overshadow the record's high-grade hooks and powerful performances.

This is a substantially more accomplished collection than even fans of the first record might expect, and for the uninitiated, it is a memorable introduction well worth repeated listens.

Reviewed by NEH RECORDS used with permission.