The self titled debut sees 'L. A. Guns' taking a similar approach to the early rawer period of 'Gun's 'N' Rose' and this is of little surprise considering 'Axl Rose's' former association with 'Tracii Guns'. Although this is a respectable debut that exhibits a strong identifiable trademark Sleaze Metal sound, when compared to 'Appetite for Destruction' it falls a little short. There is however plenty of quality cuts to keep this debut above the wealth of similar music being churned out around this time.

The brisk paced 'Show no Mercy' opens affairs in solid fashion and whilst similar to most of the tracks featured here, simplistic, it's still very effective with a strong sing-a-long chorus, quality driving rhythm and rough but effective vocals. The sleaze factor is increased with the raunchy rocker 'Sex Action', another firm offering, sporting sweet guitar soloing, a clever pulsating flow and some basic but decent lyrics. The pace is upped for the gritty 'One more Reason', whilst another decent rocker, the lyrics and production seem a bit light and distracts from some solid instrumentation. Improvements are made with the lively 'Electric Gypsy' which flows superbly with a cracking chorus that is superbly executed, this is combined with fitting lyrics and some nice mid track guitar solos. Side one closes with 'Nothing to Lose' a basic but entertaining affair which is made all the better by the sweet guitar work mid track, a little too rowdy to make the grade though. 'Bitch is Back' procures your attention though with It's lively grooving approach which balances a catchy chorus with pulsating rhythm and is graced by some of 'Phil Lewis's best vocals. The pace softens for the short melodic instrumental 'Cry no More' a nice piece, but what's it doing on this album?. The down tempo balladsy affair 'One Way Ticket' follows and surprisingly features a string arrangement, an ok sort of track if that's your bag, pretty powerful in place but there's better power ballads around. The Sleaze is reinstated with 'Hollywood Tease' a brisk and fairly predictable run through, that comes off startlingly well, while 'Shoot for Thrills' is pretty tasty in parts but ultimately comes off a little lacklustre. Last up is 'Down in the City' a disjointed rowdy effort that prevents this album attaining a higher rating.

Some very good bits scattered throughout this debut, but in conclusion nothing remarkable to rival their fellow 'Guns' from L.A.