Duff McKagan’s Loaded Sick
by Leyla Hamedi
Staff Writer
If you want another incarnation of Guns’n’Roses or even Velvet Revolver, Sick isn’t it. However if you want rock with a clear New York punk influence, then this is your best bet.
Unless you’ve heard him sing before, McKagan’s voice comes as a nice surprise. His pancreas might be ravaged but the voice stands strong throughout and though it doesn’t do anything too adventurous, it’s a pleasant rock rasp. Like Iggy Pop’s younger brother, especially in the low, chanting chorus of, “Sleaze Factory.”
“Flatline,” is the third song and the one that would probably best be suited as the first single. Its got a sassy beat with an easy to remember chorus and awesome cowbell bridge. Cowbell is always good, as we know. The next track, “IOU,” is a mellow little number but, “The Slide,” ups the angry punk with attitude-spewing vocals and loud, steady drums. For a guitarist though, there’s nothing too ingenious or original in the solos. Even though they suit the songs, you’d expect a little more from Duff.
“I See Through You,” is more of the fast-paced punk-rock but followed by, “Forgive Me,” the two sound virtually the same. “No Shame,” is a slower song but is one of the stronger tracks with its simple yet interesting riffs and harmonizing backing vocals. The Iggy Pop comparison is particularly strong in “Blind Date Girl,” especially in the intro where the vocals are pitched lower and the kicky chorus and the sax highlights make it sound almost bluesy.
“No More,” with its switch from quick and jumping to more melodic and meandering, brings the record to a close and though it’s not completely satisfying, it is a good collection of familiar rock with a slight twist.
Band Members:
Duff McKagan- vocals, guitar
Mike Squires- guitar
Jeff Rouse- bass
Geoff Reading- drums
Label: Century Media
Track Listing:
Sick
Sleaze Factory
Flatline
IOU
The Slide
Translucent
Mothers Day
I See Through You
Forgive Me
No Shame
Blind Date Girl
Wasted Heart
No More
Web site: Official
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10