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TNT did a pretty good job at distancing more than a few fans with their last release, Firefly. Although this wasn’t a bad album, it wasn’t what hardcore TNT fans expected. Vocalist Tony Harnell redeemed himself a bit with the release of the fantastic Westworld album last year. On the wave of that, now we have another TNT release in our hands. How does it compare to their previous efforts? Well, it isn’t classic TNT, but it isn’t Firefly either. The band has found a middle point between the two that is as entertaining as their classic albums, but as potentially alienating as their last effort. "Just Like God” starts the album off with a brutal assault to the ears. The drum loop and distorted guitars in the intro will no doubt freak a lot of people. In fact, the Japanese decided not to include this song in their version of Transistor. It’s fast and heavy, but very melodic. Now, “Wide Awake” has that classic TNT quality to it. Tony sings the verses in the high pitch we’ve all come to love. The chorus is quite reminiscent of Westworld. “No Such Thing” follows with another fine slab of melodic heaven. This is perhaps the closest the band gets to old-style TNT. It’s sort of like Danger Danger’s Four The Hard Way – it has that modern sound, mixed with melodic finesse. Awesome bass sound, too. Things turn heavy again for “Crashing Down.” Again, the intro will scare away more than a few fans, but it’s a good song with a very cool chorus. A lonely clean guitar accompanies Tony for most of “Fantasia Española.” The verses remind me of vintage TNT ballads. However, he lowers his register for the chorus. Nice, quiet song, with the whole band letting loose for the last minute of the song. “Because I Love You” is more in the style of Westworld, although a bit more modern. Great chorus and vocal performance for Harnell. "The Hole Your In” [sic] is a VERY radical, groove oriented number, but I don’t care for the ragged, distorted vocals. Next please. “Mousetrap” begins with a cool riff, but more distorted vocals. This is a lot easier on the ears, though. Actually, the vocals are pretty enjoyable – the sound is sort of electronic, reflecting the title quite amusingly. “Into Pieces” is almost danceable. The drumbeat is hypnotic, as are the vocals. Very modern, but pretty damn good. The keeper of the bunch, however, comes in the form of the quiet “Under My Pillow.” It’s hauntingly simple, managing to be charming and adventurous at the same time. Harnell at his best. “No Guarantees” closes the album with another look at the opening track. It’s another sonic blast that will not be liked by many. This is fast and furious and would be a lot better if Harnell stepped away from the distorted and effect-laden vocals. Transistor finds TNT Embracing a bit of their past, but not much, I’m afraid. The production is rich, as is the performance, but some of the songs are too much of a departure for the casually loyal fans to appreciate. Also, Ronni Le Tekro steps away from the guitar idol role and keeps his playing to a fundamental level. Approach with caution and open ears. ----Released in 1999 by Spitfire Records | Tracklist: Just Like God, Wide Awake, No Such Thing, Crashing Down, Fantasia Española, Because I Love You, The Hole Your In [sic], Mousetrap, Into Pieces, Under my Pillow, No Guarantees
Before anyone freaks out for the inclusion of this band in my site, chill out! It’s my website. Perhaps the most refreshing album of the year comes from this Australian pop band. Think of it as a blend of Extreme’s acoustic sounds, Crosby Stills & Nash, Jars of Clay, the pop side of DC Talk and the harmonies of Backstreet Boys-meet-Simon & Garfunkel. I do realize that’s a mouthful, and a confusing image, at best. But trust me on this one, this is what modern rock should sound like. Aside from a few generic mid-90’s-style mid-tempo rockers, this is a definite keeper. Highlights include the power pop of “Everywhere You Go," the amazing balladry of “72 Hour Daze” and the magnificent and beautiful “Let Me Die Young” and the rockier “Ice Cream” and “Nothing in This World.” My favorite track, for some reason I can’t really explain, is “Back Again.” This is a semi-goofy little ditty that is just absolutely awesome. It could have come from any album from the 70’s and not seem out of place. Anyone in search of something different but of quality should give this album a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t expect AOR. ----Released in 1999 by Sire Records | Tracklist: Can You Feel, Get Set, Everywhere You Go, 72 Hour Daze, Rocketship, Let Me Die Young, Rachael, Ice Cream, Let’s Spend the Night, Nothing in this World, Counting Down the Days, Back Again
With bombastic rhythms, compelling harmonies and an unabashed old-school-meets-new-school sound, Pink Cream 69’s American debut explodes out of the speakers. From strong songs to superb production, this is an outstanding album from start to finish. For years Pink Cream 69 have been keeping rock fans on the edge of their seats, first with the vocal prowess of now-Helloween frontman Andi Deris, and, these days, with the far superior talents of David Readman. After a couple of more modern-sounding discs, Electrified shows a return to form for the band without sacrificing the modern approach or overcoating the sound with an obvious attempt to sound melodic. This band has it in their system to be melodic. No need to force it out. Opening track “Shame” is a masterpiece of melodic rock. With a sound that is pure classic PC69, this song jumps at you and establishes the sound of the disc. Powerful vocals and undeniable melody shape this perfect rocker. “Stranger in Time” is a more laidback rocker. Heavily modern, not unlike Winger’s Pull, yet firmly grounded on solid rock soil. Turning the tempo up a notch again, “Break the Silence” rocks as few other releases this year manage to. And I mean, full-attack rock – with blazing guitars and high-octane vocals. The sound is fierce and in-you-face yet with that melodic edge to it that will not disappoint. Perhaps the weakest track comes in the shape of the title track, “Electrified.” Not a bad song, but it’s a bit patchy with a chorus that really doesn’t go anywhere. Now, “Over the Fire” is a maniacally paced monster of a song. Grace, fury and the talents of DC Cooper and Ralf Scheepers providing vocals combine into the heaviest song in this collection. “Losing my Faith” begins with a drum rhythm that might scare a few listeners, yet it builds into one of the most memorable tracks here. The tightness of this band amazes me – the bass taking a leading role while the band gallops slightly behind it. “Higher Kind of Love” and “Burn Your Soul” are back to back fast furies that’ll leave you wondering why the mainstream is not embracing music of this quality (as if we haven’t pondered this long enough). These are hard rockers with enough modern punch to be relevant but still nostalgic enough to capture the attention of those in search of more traditional rock. They remind me a bit of Skid Row with the powerful kick blending with perfect harmonies and hooks that characterized them at their height. A definite contender for album of the year, Electrified delivers melodic rock with enough of a melodic twist to make it a potential hit. Too bad a wider audience will ignore this since I truly believe this is one of the few albums that could bring back heavy rock to the masses (or at least to those dormant rockers who are being smothered by lite FM programming). ----Released in 1999 by Spitfire Records | Tracklist: Shame, Stranger in Time, Break the Silence, Electrified, Over the Fire, Losing My Faith, Higher Kind of Love, Burn Your Soul, Rocket Ride, Best for You, Gone Again |
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