Like a lot of people I pretty much discounted 'Firehouse' after their first two albums, I did however hear many good things about 'Prime Time' and after much searching eventually tracked down a copy. It was a good move too, as they have cranked the dials a bit since their earlier material and produced a very strong, hard rocking album, that while consistently heavier, still maintains the distinctive 'Firehouse' sound. Thankfully the line-up contains three of the original four members, the only absentee is 'Perry Richardson' who has been replace by capable bassist 'Dario Seixas'.

After an unusual introduction complete with "Big Ben" chiming we are propelled into an 'Aerosmith' style rocker which balances pulsating almost Rap like choruses with tough instrumentation for a fine energetic opener. Better still is the hard rocking 'Crash' a simplistic number which balances lighter melodic sections with some sublime headbanging rhythm not too dissimilar from classic 'Metallica', that combines for a superb cut that's probably the best on the album. The pace fails to let up with 'Door to Door' a brisk anthemic jewel which sees drummer 'Michael Foster' on lead vocals, he does a fine job to make this a modern day biker track, which is further supported by some excellent soloing courtesy of 'Bill Leverty'. 'Perfect Lie' follows in a quirky but effective manner, balancing a typical mid tempo 'Firehouse' sound, with some gritty instrumentation which gives this track an extra edge. Guitarist 'Bill Leverty' then takes the mic for the grooving 'Holding On', his 'Ian Astbury' style vocals are a little surprising at first, but he holds a note pretty well and this laid-back chugger really makes the mark. Next up is 'Body Language' another fine groover which features a strong catchy chorus, personally I don't think it flows quite as well as it could, but still far from a poor effort. 'Bill Leverty' again takes lead vocals on the Blues influenced 'I'm the One' and further proves his worth with a strong display, that is further enhanced with a smooth flowing rhythm and complimentary guitaring. Not quite as impressive is 'Take me Away' although not a weak track, it's lighter approach feels a little directionless and despite some fine fret work, definitely not the strongest present. Back on track is the energetic 'Home Tonight' a cut which could have been included on their first two releases as it's trademark 'Firehouse' with 'CJ Snares' screechy but controlled vocals and the usual choice musicianship. Closing the album is the only ballad present and while their ballads aren't really what attracts me to their music, this is pretty decent affair that is well executed with 'CJ's' most passionate vocals and the usual strong harmonies.

A very respectable release that old school 'Firehouse' fans should checkout as this is a real return to form, lets hope they can use this album as a prototype for future releases.