Catchy melodies, lyrics that you WANT to remember, hooks that make you pump your fist or tap your foot, these are all things reminiscent of a style of rock and roll that has all but fallen by the wayside. Groups like the Black Crowes, The Counting Crows, Soul Asylum and Collective Soul all gave us this type of feel good rock with a lighter technique that is somehow addictive. Now comes a terrific trio from Ireland to revitalize this sound and deliver a rock and roll package that strikes a chord in all with its infectious riffs and dynamite melodies. This is a feel good album that will do just that for you. If you don't have a smile on your face after this disc, than there is little hope.
"Cocaine Chest Pains" is the introduction to the album and puts you into the mood for what is to come. With gravely voiced Daniel Jordan leading the way with both his vocals and guitar, you will be reaching for the volume knob and cranking it to the right with great velocity. Their sound might remind you of some other bands but there is a unique quality that has an instant recognition factor and sets them apart from the field. A lot of that has to do with the special quality of Jordan's voice. His grainy delivery is a perfect vocal style for this type of music and he is also a very good lyricist who has written many a rock anthem for this disc.
There is little doubt that these guys grew up on the classic rock and roll bands of yesteryear. The bluesy based "Fever" and the first single "Love Is Dead" are prime examples of using the vintage sound and adding a modern twist that captures the rebellious nature that is at the root of the music we love. These are a couple of the heavier songs on the disc and I am sure both receive a great amount of audience participation when performed live.
On the lighter side you have songs such as the very radio friendly "Floridian" which is simply a great pina colada on the beach type song. I would guess Miami or Daytona Beach from the title. If you are at the seaside or just want to be, this is the kind of music that fits both categories. It fits both having a good time and those moments when you wish you were!
Also falling into the same category is the power ballad "Bigger Than Us All" which has a huge, rich, lush sound that sweeps you away. This band know when to show restraint and also when to crank it up. They manage to do both with this song and the result is a very good tune that ultimately helps to keep the smile going. It may never be ranked as a classic but like most of this disc you will find very good music that is like a Snickers bar, totally satisfying.
I do predict that these guys will make some waves in the rock and roll world. They have that special something that appeals to those that like a variety of music. I have a trip planned today to Lake Michigan and this is the disc that is on the top of the pile for our cruise along the shore. It is just a great blast of good old fashion rock and roll!
Track listing:
1. Cocaine Chest
2. White Collar Lies
3. Fever
4. Love Is Dead
5. Floridian
6. Sub Human
7. The Easy Way (D.B. Cooper)
8. Bring It On Home
9. Love Sick Blues
10. Bigger Than Us All
11. Sin City
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