Simon RushworthShiraz Lane — In Vertigo (Frontiers Records)
Perhaps it’s no surprise that so much of Shiraz Lane’s game changer of a record is a nod to peak Def Leppard and latter day Scandi melodic rock masters H.E.A.T.
In Vertigo producer and co-writer Per Aldeheim has worked with both bands during a storied career moulding a slew of headline acts.
And this ambitious album is about as polished as they come within a genre that demands sparkle, gloss and hair metal sheen.
Rushonrock first identified Shiraz Lane as ones to watch at trailblazing UK rock festival Call Of The Wild and we were immediately smitten.
But since then frontman Hannes Kett and co. have grown their sleazy roots into something more commercial, compelling and undeniably classy.
Close your eyes and the 10 tracks here could be the soundtrack to late 80s US FM radio.
Aldeheim and the band have mined a rich seam of singalong pop rock that’s festival ready and — put simply — a shitload of fun.
Scorching six stringers Jani Laine and Miki Kalske stay true to the Clarke/Collen school of trading molten riffs and hot licks.
And one of In Vertigo’s true highlights is a peerless twin axe attack that’s perfectly in tune with Shiraz Lane’s vision, ambition and explosive potential.
Let’s be honest, one of Finland’s finest exports should be talked about in the same breath as fellow countrymen Reckless Love.
In Vertigo could be the album that puts Kett and co. at the heart of that conversation.
Hitting the fast Lane
Pre-release singles Dangerous, Bullshit and Plastic Heart did their job in whipping up wild expectation ahead of one of 2025’s most talked about album drops.
The only concern? Could the rest of In Vertigo hit the same lofty heights?
We needn’t have worried.
Seriously smouldering Stone Cold Lover kicks things off in style as Kett, Kalske and the gang lay their cards on the table.
One song in and it’s immediately clear where Shiraz Lane is headed. And it’s no dead end.
The Ray Of Light leans on a groove-laden Hysteria-styled bass line and the classic Kett chorus makes for one of the most expansive tunes here.
Sayonara Love is ripe for a 12-inch dance mix (do they still exist?) — it’s catchy, clichéd and smacks of Shiraz Lane at their coolest.
In Vertigo is far from this brilliant band’s first rodeo: Vantaa’s finest celebrate their 15th anniversary next year.
But good things come to those who wait. And this is better than good.
Shiraz Lane just entered the soft rock fast lane.
For a band that’s been the next big thing for far too long, the Finnish line’s finally in sight!
