(Hard Rock) Running The Risk - Because We Can + The Monster EP - 2012, MP3, 320 kbps

Founded in 2011, L.A.'s vibrant RUNNING THE RISK is a rock band that's brimming with musical talent and praiseworthy songs to match.

Signed by an indie label, the group is releasing their debut Because We Can.

What's any better for a rock band than having your own edgy sound, obvious credibility and super kickin' songs? What could be any better than having a proficient lead vocalist that also gives such band a heaping dosage of stylish identity?

Not to be confused with the supermodel of similar name, albeit slightly different spelling ('Nicki' vs 'Nicky'), Nicki Taylor sure knows how to rock your socks off. And she looks cute and hot as well.

Her vocals conjures memories of my lifelong appreciation towards the voice of Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles coupled with Debbie Harry's mystique; all the while Nicki stands-up as a true original.

The all-inclusive sound of Running The Risk is Hard Modern, only they have apparently captured a retrospective slice of Rock history as well; one that reminds me of those days when mainstream Rock didn't all sound the same.

Because We Can bestows the cover versions of Black Sabbath s War Pigs and Talk Talk s Talk Talk. When a band messes with an ultra classic from the sacred past of Heavy Metal history, I can get a bit uneasy; this is not the case with Running The Risk covering War Pigs.

Instead, this is Running The Risk celebrating (admirably) a Heavy Metal treasure of a song and band. This group breathed a young, fresh and still heavy life into the timeless Sabbath song.

Even when the band takes a turn to the pop with Talk Talk there is a natural ability Running the Risk has to turn it into more than a song made by New Wave Brits thirty years ago. They masterfully spike the '80s pop tune with slick guitars, heavy beats, digital backing and raw raunchy delivery. Simply put, they make Talk Talk cool.

The rest of the tracks are original material recorded last year, driven by the sonic riffs of guitarist Nick Bell (the musical conductor) and the charismatic vocals of Nicki.

Regardless of the recent departure of bassist Curtis Corwin, Running The Risk is moving forward writing music for a new album, conducting bass auditions; while promoting themselves on social networks.

There's no doubt in my mind that Running The Risk will be very soon on many (if not all) rock journalist's list of 'bands to get in touch with and write about'.

They're modern hard, but their approach and attittude has the fire of the past when rocking the audience was the prime goal, not surrender to the new plastic trend of mainstream radio rock.

Judging the delivery on Because We Can the future of Running The Risk appears from all angles to be 100% solid.