by Alexandra Mrozowska
– Sr. Columnist —
As the well-known names of the music industry join forces to create something together, a result – the emergence of a so-called super-group – is burdened with a multitude of expectations from the very start. You can deal with them in two different ways. You can always rely on the musical resume of personas the line-up’s comprised of and tread more or less the same path… getting more and more repetitive with each album. Alternatively, you can also go for stylistic experiments, but then be sure to allow for some teeth grinding from the orthodox part of your fan base.
The best choice out of this would be to combine the classic and the fresh. Surprisingly or not, this is exactly what The Dead Daisies embarked on in their Rock n’ Roll voyage. And as this particular super-group relied on the revolving door formula for the most of their career, such a choice was almost obvious. The band’s third album Make Some Noise reflects that well. Due to be released in August 2016, it has Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner), David Lowy (Mink), John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, Union, The Scream) and Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) all on board alongside the most recent addition of a guitar wizard Doug Aldrich, known from Whitesnake and Dio.
Much has been said about the album’s opening track “Long Way To Go” revealing the group’s inclinations towards AC/DC’s style. Nevertheless, it’s no blatant rip-off. Rather than that, it combines the rough straightforwardness and raw catchiness that’s been a trademark for many bands in Rock history, Angus Young and the gang included. “We All Fall Down” is a thick, modern riff and feisty hook, a deliberate homage to the contemporary era rather than a throwback to the past. “Song And A Prayer” is certainly more radio-friendly than its predecessor, its choruses somewhat Aerosmith-esque. “Mainline” adds a bit of rough bluesy flavor to the band’s sound with its unbelievable intensity and a generous dose of Doug Aldrich’s impeccable licks.
Simple, but powerful drum beat and group chant of the album’s title track brings to mind the picture of a sea of fists pumping up in the air and fans chanting together with their idols. It’s the same primal power of Rock music that was captured and immortalized in dozens if not hundreds of songs prior to this one, such as Queen’s classic “We Will Rock You.” It’s thus no wonder such seasoned musicians as The Dead Daisies understand how seductive it remains, in spite of its simplicity. Also their approach to Creedence Clearwater’s Revival “Fortunate Son” remains rather unsophisticated, their take on it being no drastic alteration in comparison to the original.
Another nod and a wink to the Bluesy, rootsy sound utilized by the likes of Aerosmith is “Last Time I Saw The Sun”, even Corabi’s vocals sounding somewhat Tyler-esque. Further into the album, no prisoners are taken. “Mine All Mine,” “How Does It Feel,” “Freedom” are all gritty, groovy pieces exceptional for their intensity. With the feistiness of “All The Same” approaching, you can’t help but wonder if modern-day Aerosmith is still able to deliver such treats in the recording studio. With a certain laid-back, live vibe to it, the final track “Join Together” is a fine younger brother to “Make Some Noise” and another staple in the band’s future set lists.
Make Some Noise is the third album under The Dead Daisies’ belt and surely not a weak counterpart to its predecessors. Names behind the collective say it all, as far as the musicianship is concerned, whereas the unit of twelve songs included on the CD remains cohesive – but not dull – stylistically. Each track on Make Some Noise oozes sheer power and unaffected catchiness, at least a handful of them being certain and worthy addition’s to the band’s overall catalog. But first and foremost, be sure to check the super-group out live as they’ll hit the European and American stages this summer – these songs were simply made to be played live. Recommended.
Genre: Hard Rock
Band:
Brian Tichy – drums
David Lowy – guitars
John Corabi – vocals
Doug Aldrich – guitars
Marco Mendoza – bass
Track Listing:
1. Long Way To Go
2. We All Fall Down
3. Song And A Prayer
4. Mainline
5. Make Some Noise
6. Fortunate Son
7. Last Time I Saw The Sun
8. Mine All Mine
9. How Does It Feel
10. Freedom
11. All The Same
12. Join Together
Label: SPV, Spitfire Music
Website: https://www.facebook.com/TheDeadDaisies
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8.5/10
Now that this one is out for all to hear… I need not have worried. Simply a stonking cd all the way from front to back! They certainly upped the ante with this new batch of tunes! To the reviewer– that’s a cover of The Who on the last track (Join Together). T
I see no Dizzy Reid this time out-likely due to him being on tour with GnR? So this one is devoid of keys? Thought his work gave the band a bit of bounciness and not just in-yer-face guitar rock every track. Tho I dig Aldrich’s coming on board, I fear this ay be a more rocked out affair,taking away a bit from the integrity of the band’s sound. This and I will always prefer Jon Stevens voice over Corabi’s rough cut glass approach. Tho he looks much more the rocker…In any event–hoping for a strong batch of new tunes from these guys. Thanks for the early review, T