Danger Danger Revolve

Tweet

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

It was all the way back in 1989 when you first saw the video for “Naughty Naughty” from Danger Danger, and the same year they released their genre-defining debut. While a few cretins mocked their propensity for redundancy (Danger Danger, “Bang Bang,” “Naughty Naughty,”), no one argued with the gleeful melodies, the songwriting, Ted Poley’s faux-innocent and masterful vocal delivery, nor the expert musicianship of guitarist Andy Timmons and the rest of the gang. Like most bands who have persevered for 20 years, Danger Danger saw members leave, including Ted Poley. The band found a new singer (Paul Laine), and Poley went on to release some of the industry’s best solo albums and projects, like Poley/Rivera. But in 2004, Sweden Rock encouraged Danger Danger to reunite on stage, and finally, 20 years after their debut, Poley is back along with Bruno Ravel (bass), Rob Marcello (guitar) and Steve West for a new studio effort, Revolve.

Clichés are sometimes true, and this one surely is. The second you hear the opening riff and Poley’s unnaturally smooth delivery, you know Danger Danger is back. “That’s What I’m Talking About” is smothered in hooks and shout-along yells, two-part vocal harmonies and a chorus you’ll be able to sing along with after hearing it once. Few bands could make you give an opinion on a song after one listen; with “That’s What I’m Talking About” you only have to hear one minute to know it’s one of your new favorite songs.

“Killin’ Love” is a slower song, one that begins with spacey keys and static, like you’d hear from playing a scratched up vinyl album. It’s surprising they went into the mid-tempo track this early, but it doesn’t matter. Like Winger, Danger Danger is able to play slower songs that sound heavier, songs that build up and highlight the musicianship of the band while still maintaining a radio-friendly vibe. “Killin’ Love” is exactly that kind of song. Poley’s vocals are haunting and earnest, but more than anything, honest.

While they didn’t go the double-down route on this release, they come close on “Keep On Keepin’ On,” one of the lamest phrases mankind has ever uttered. This harkens back to a more Classic Rock sound for Danger Danger. “So I keep on keepin’ on, ‘til my days are gone. No one’s gonna tell me that I’m wrong … gonna keep on keepin’ on!” So, they’ve written better lyrics, but it’s still an upbeat and cool as hell song.

If you want a big fat surprise, jump right to “F.U.$” as soon as you get the new release. Steel Panther has nothing on these guys. Seriously, nothing. “F.U.$” is hilarious, dirty, expletive-filled, and even funnier because it’s Ted Poley singing these lyrics! Like Steel Panther songs, it’s a huge sing-along anthem, and it’s like they are making fun of themselves and their Hair Metal cohorts … except it’s one of the best tracks on the album anyway. No, you won’t hear it on the radio, but you need to hear it.

“Never Give Up” is the one true ballad, and they are channeling Loverboy something fierce. Even the ‘80’s styled keys, the vocal melody during the opening line of each verse, will remind you of Loverboy. That being said, songs like “Don’t Walk Away” helped Danger Danger become multi-platinum, and this one could as well.

Revolve ends on another rocker, “Dirty Mind.” You have to love these lyrics: “Then I’ll close my eyes and just pretend that you are here with me and we’re more than friends. I can do what I want, when I want, anytime, it’s so easy when you … got a dirty mind.” Yes, it’s a song about onanism, and after “F.U.$” why not?

Few bands can break up and come back this strong; somehow, Danger Danger makes it seem easy. Revolve is even better than Danger Danger fans could have hoped for.

Label: Frontiers Records

Track listing:
1. That’s What I’m Talking About
2. Ghost of Love
3. Killin’ Love
4. Hearts On The Highway
5. Fugitive
6. Keep On Keepin’ On
7. Rocket To Your Heart
8. F.U.$
9. Beautiful Regret
10. Never Give Up
11. Dirty Mind

HRH Rating: 8.4/10