Komodo Wagon Old Beauty and the Broken Cross
by Ken Mac Vicar
Staff Writer
Komodo Dragon def: The Komodo Dragon is the word’s largest living lizard and is the only lizard species to hunt and kill prey larger than itself and larger than it can swallow whole.
Komodo Wagon def: A melodic hard rock band that given the right direction and opportunity could be the world’s largest living rock band, hunting and swallowing the world’s most established bands whole.
Komodo Wagon’s debut album is a rocking journey through such diverse musical genres as punk, melodic metal and progressive rock, with a splash of new wave and hard core metal thrown in for good measure. It’s tough to imagine that any one band could pull off all these styles on one record, however one listen to Old Beauty and the Broken Cross and it’s obvious that Komodo Dragon manages to find the right balance every step of the way, whether it’s the punk energy of “Black Lung” or the hypnotic melody of “Will You”.
Though there are no weak spots on the entire album, the quartet is at their very best when they focus on their metal influences which are melodic in nature. The band’s self proclaimed list of influences range from the Rolling Stones to Monster Magnet to just about everyone in between and all are represented in some fashion on Old Beauty & The Broken Cross.
All too often such a myriad of influences leaves a band with no clear direction and can result in a somewhat muddled or confused sound. Komodo Wagon is able to sidestep this potential hazard quite nimbly for two reasons. Quite simply, the band understands how to write a memorable song, with arrangements and time changes that make the listener eagerly await the next change in style, like a driver anticipating the next turn on a winding road. The ability to accomplish this is due to the superb musicianship and crisp production which are trademarks of the entire album.
The band is led by front man, songwriter and producer Troy Perlic, whose soulful baritone vocals are reminiscent of the best of Iggy Pop, Josh Todd and Ian Astbury. The introspective and sometimes dark nature of his lyrics allow ballads such as “Will You” and “Bloodhound” to rise above ordinary rock clichés. He also brings a steady rhythm guitar style to the proceedings, creating a latter day Richards/Woods vibe with lead guitarist To. To’s hypnotic and arching solos are reminiscent of Slash’s best work and are the perfect compliment to Perlic’s sometime dark lyrics. However it’s his rhythm work, in particular the opening riff of Prince Charles that really makes him a cut above the rest of the current axe slingers out there today. The band is rounded out by the killer rhythm section of Marco on bass and Roy on drums, a backbone that would make Messrs. Lee and Peart proud. The Portuguese rhythm section allows Komodo Dragon to seamlessly move from pop to punk to metal without missing a beat.
The album opens with the “Oral Obligation” whose moody opening would sound at home on any Sabbath or Alice in Chains record. Driven by To’s intricate guitar, the song explodes into a hook laden chorus worthy of any sing along. “Prince Charles” opens with a great sleazy sounding riff that chugs along behind the verse with lead singer Perlic exploring the higher ranges of his voice. Roy’s drum work is excellent as the band plows into another great sing-along chorus that ends with some excellent lead guitar work by To. “Black Lung” showcases the bands punk influences and would feel right at home in a set list dropped in between Iggy Pop and the Ramones at the now defunct CBGB’s. “Dancers” takes punk inspired pop to a new level with a great chorus that sounds like Elvis Costello at his rollicking best. This tune represents everything that is great about Komodo Wagon, a rock band with a great pop sensibility.
The band slows it down for the ballad “Will You” which is carried by Troy Perlic’s haunting vocals and Marco’s intricate bass line. Perlic’s lyrics are a definite high point, transcending the usual laments of lost love in order to make this truly interesting. “Nothing Special” starts out with an almost cheery guitar riff that descends into darkness once the vocals hit.
The song echoes the best moments of the Smithereens with the poppy chorus belying the dark lyrical content. The song lulls you with its hypnotic verse before exploding into just a monster riff that opens the pre-chorus.
“Bloodhound” is a dark, brooding track, highlighted by the interplay of To’s guitar and Troy’s voice. Its triumph is in its simplicity with no sing along chorus or big finish and is a fine change of pace. “Citizen Doe” may be the finest rock track released this year; it’s slow and understated intro morphs in to an irresistibly funky riff driven track that explodes into a huge chorus with Troy’s anger spilling out of the speakers. This song contains some of the best vocal work on the album from the band as a whole with Perlic’s sneering lead the highlight. This song is a definite hit if given the chance on American rock radio.
“Cruel World picks up the tempo and hits you in the face before moving into a heartfelt almost forlorn chorus that while in stark contrast to the rest of song actually compliments the overall mood. The album closes strong with two songs that highlight the rhythm work of both guitar players. “Dead Idol” benefits from excellent guitar work that ranges from a simple intro riff to a climatic bluesy solo from To. As if to emphasize that this is one band that won’t be running out of ideas anytime soon, the album closes with “Hit T.V” is pure power pop that combines a driving backbeat with a hook-driven main riff. It’s a simple song that executed to perfection by this band and closes the album as strong as it started.
Bottom Line: this is a band that deserves to be heard and has huge cross-over potential.
Track Listing
1Oral Obligation
2) Prince Charles
3) Black lung
4) Dancers
5) Will You
6) Nothing Special
7) Bloodhound
8 Citizen Doe
9) Cruel World
10) Dead Idol
11) Hit T.V.
HRH Rating 9/10