In an age of when oversized two-chord aggression and auto-tuned talent-free anthems pass for popular music, the Canadian rock veteran collective known as Fraze Gang are taking the hard road to reach the brass ring. Rather than kiss up to the latest trends in order to make an impression and a buck, the quartet has chosen good old-fashioned hard work and a genuine passion for making music to carry their new album, quite simply dubbed Fraze Gang 2.

Fraze Gang's roots go back 30 years, when vocalist/ guitarist Greg Fraser and bassist Stevie Skreebs launched Brighton Rock; a popular draw on the hair band scene in Canada through the late 80s and into the 90s. The band split up in 1991, but Fraser and Skreebs were anything but idle; saving their energy until the time felt right to unleash some new music. Recruiting drummer Phil Epp, the trio laid down 13 tracks for what would become Fraze Gang's self-titled debut in 2008 on Bongo Beat. And while it didn’t break the bank, the 13 song arena rock record established Fraze Gang as a full-on no-nonsense band with old school 80s values.

Fraze Gang 2 is a follow-up that’s considerably heavier than what some people are expecting. From the Judas Priest-flavoured opener Saint Or Sinner to the brazen Brighton Rock-ishness of White Lightning to the AC/DC vibe of Tough Enough, the album is a both a nostalgic trip and a bold reminder of what real rock is all about.

“We still have that vinyl approach to our music, where we have 10 songs coming out and the first five are Side 1, the other five are Side 2,” says Greg Fraser.

Fraze Gang’s grittier attitude is due in part to the addition of guitarist Derek McGowan as a full time band member. Initially conscripted to fill out the band's sound for live gigs, McGowan was brought on board full time to bring the same energy and clout to the band's studio work. The results are readily apparent on Fraze Gang 2 from the first track in

“Having that second guitar in the studio gives the songs more of that live feel compared to if it was me doing all the guitar parts on my own,” Greg agrees.

An additional bullet in Fraze Gang’s belt is having producer Beau Hill behind the mixing desk for the new album. Known for his extensive work with 80s artists such as Ratt, Kix, Europe and Winger, Hill is a perfect match for what Fraze Gang were trying to accomplish. The fact that he’s known for wanting to help up-and-coming artists rather than just restricting his services to million-selling signed acts is the icing on the cake.

“When we first got Brighton Rock together and working with producers and engineers, we’d always be excited going in,” says Greg, “but the recordings just didn’t have that big Scorpions / Judas Priest sound we wanted. Beau Hill knows how to get a great live sound where you can still hear everything. Nothing gets buried in the mix, and that’s not easy to do. When he sent us the mixes for the new album we were blown away.”

Now a solid four-piece, Fraze Gang is officially back in action and in for the long haul. The band is the the #1 priority, and the focus is on the future rather than the glories of the past.