For many bands coming to terms with fast success, the pressure of releasing a second album can be a daunting task. Not for Ripped. Literally, the band jumped into the waters of the recording studio feet first armed with solid material and the expertise of veteran producer Ashton Price from Morph Productions (Kazzer, Sony Publishing).

Lead singer Sandra (Sandi) Olender is today's answer to some of the best female rock singers of the last century including Pat Benatar and Belinda Carlisle and stands proudly on the same playing field as Amy Lee (Evanescence), Pink and Gwen Stefani of No Doubt fame.

Ripped also features the talents of lain "Moody" Carroll (guitar), Attila Elek (bass), Mister Crow (guitar) and Todd Stewart (drums).

The band kicks open the door of their 10-track album with my favourite Ripped song, their opener "Anodyne". This song has an addictive beat that I can't get enough of. "Anodyne" bridges into smashing harmonies "I would like a sign... Can you read my mind... Slip in anodyne you'll find... All your pain is left behind". Fans of Garbage and INXS will appreciate what this song is all about. "Anodyne" is 3-and-a-half-minutes of high energy all the way with Sandi's amazing vocals in addition to awesome guitar, bass, and drums. Hands down, one of the best arrangements I've heard in years.

"Show Me" is a fun little number that I'm sure has a tongue-in-cheek reference. Up next is the toe-tapping "A Daily Ritual" packed full of slick guitar riffs and pulsating percussion. 

Ripped's claim-to-fame may be the best damn cover I've ever heard of "Call Me" by Blondie. Sandi has captured the essence of this 80's megahit and ignited it with electricity and her sensual vocals. The accompanying music video has over the top production value; it's pure brilliance. The video is shot dark bordering on gothic but be assured this is not your older brother or sister's "Call Me". This baby blasts off harder than an industrial size bottle of Viagra®; You just might start humping the seat you are on while listening to this sexy gem so please listen with caution while riding public transit.

Ripped slows down the pace a notch with the heart riveting "Eternal". "Waiting for the Night" is a guitar driven rock anthem; it's as refreshing as a breeze coming off the lake yet reassuringly familiar as New Wave. The lyrics in both these song are great.

"Afterglow" is a haunting selection from Blow Your Mind. Sandi's versatile vocal range is highly rewarded in this extraordinary song. It blends beautifully into the next song "Second Change". Listening to these fine tracks back-to-back is as magical as the era when concept albums would fill your record collection (no skipping tracks, the way it was intended by the recording artist).

Get on the dance floor and enjoy "Not Dead Yet". This bouncy number could easily be heard on any Canadian Alt-Rock or Hot AC station who cares to pick it up. The album closes with "Breathe", another lyrical and instrumental experience that captures the best from lead singer Sandi Olender.

Ripped is fully loaded when it comes to their music and how they become an extension of their recording environment. Many bands go in to the studio to lay down tracks and hope for the best from their engineers. Ripped is more than a band, they are the music.

The overall mixing and mastering of Blow Your Mind is polished from front to back. Dave "Rave" Ogilvie (Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, David Bowie, Skinny Puppy) and Dan Brodbeck (The Salads, Jersey, Delores O'Riodan) did the mixing for the singles "Show Me" , "Anodyne" & "A Daily Ritual".

As of the summer of 2005, Ripped has become instant playlist add-ons at numerous internet radio stations worldwide. 

You can find Blow Your Mind at HMV, Sunrise Records and Music World across Canada and many other stores as well. Money well spent.

www.rippedmusic.com

CW