This self-titled release from DEAR DIARY is one of those archive releases from Eonian Records which is based here in the US. DEAR DIARY was a Chicago-area band who playted together back in the early 1990’s and recorded a couple ‘cassette-only’ releases if my memory serves me right. I had previously known about the band, as a friend turned me on to the cassettes a few years back.

DEAR DIARY had the look and the music, well, it was pretty darn impressive for a “local bar band”. It is a mystery of sorts they never got a major label deal. Basically they arrived too late in the game like so many other “hair bands” of the day. This collection of ten tracks, with proper production, could have put these guys in the same league as any of their major label counterparts of the day. For an idea of their sound, I’d compare them to a more refined JAILHOUSE or even the more commercial side of HEAVENS EDGE, and maybe even throw in a little bit of early EYES. The band exudes class in their arrangements and execution and Jeff Evans was a cut above the average “local band” vocalists of the day.

It’s a great thing that Eonian Records has done by finally getting these songs onto CD. Check out any of the ten tunes on offer, like the album opening “I Want To Know”, and you’ll get a classy and rocking style with tasteful harmony vocals and good arrangements. The band also knows how to do the lighter side of things as evidenced with the album closing “Plain To See”. It’s a cool little acoustic-based number that closes out things in nice fashion. As stated earlier, the production is a bit up and down as the release is made up of two demos recorded a year or so apart. Still it’s great to finally have all their songs on CD in proper fashion. Eonian does a nice job with their packaging too.

If you liked the classier side of the Sunset Strip sound from back in the day, you should check this release out. It’s an enjoyable listen for sure.