Despite recurring rumors about reunions and rapprochement, the possibility that the brothers Davies might somehow mend their differences and eventually reconvene The Kinks seems as remote as ever. Given that unlikely scenario, Dave Davies’ Rippin’ Up Time becomes a reasonable alternative, at least in the near term. Kinks kultists might notice the liner notes include a thanks to big brother Ray and an inner sleeve boasts early archival photos. However, it’s the songs themselves— “Front Room,” “In the Old Days,” “Through My Window”—that offer unabashed homage to past glories, a further hint that nostalgia still holds sway. A heavy metal forebear courtesy of his seminal riffs, Davies reaffirms his reputation with the feedback, stomp and crunch punctuating “Johnny Adams,” “Mindwash” and the title track. Even so, it takes the snarky commentary and sardonic putdowns inscribed in “King Of Karaoke” and “Nosey Neighbours” to fully affirm that Dave’s lost neither his edge nor his attitude.