Kopek White Collar Lies
by Cyndi Jo
Staff Writer
Hard working bands are very hard to find. It seems that everyone young artist or band that “makes it” is only there through some sort of connection and their talents are a point of struggle. So, when a new band comes around red flags automatically come up. That is not the case with Irish trio: Kopek.
Although, they have been recording/writing and recording since the ’90s, they are finally being recognized in the U.S. and their debut album White Collar Lies is set to be release in early March. Kopek is so dedicated that their debut is not only a good melodic hardrock album it is so heavy that it leaves a melancholic and honest trail of rock and roll brilliance.
The album kicks off with second single, “Cocaine Chest Pains”– a very spirited and groovy song that is much reminiscent of Buckcherry and some influences of Velvet Revolver with a twist of the classic ’80s metal song: heavy on the guitars, scratchy vocals, and lyrical content themed around drug addiction. As lead vocalist Daniel Jordan swoons a listener in on second track and self-titled track, “White Collar Lies,” with his much dreamy yet grunge-y vocals, the smoldering guitar creates an epic theme for the powerfully opinionated song about the corporate world.
The track that follows fourth definitely leaves behind the softer side and enters the catchy/dance-y territory. The sing-a-long, stomp anthem that shouts out to the demise of all that revolves around rock n’ roll, has drummer Shane Cooney pounding counterpart to the steady guitar. The strongest and most heartfelt song of the album is “Floridian.” A heavy contradiction to “Love Is Dead,” the tempo is much calmer that it brings out the authenticity of a love song with a twist. While the lyrics might not be the most profound, the illustration of how devoted a lover is, is clearly there.
“Sub Human” brings something different to White Collar Lies. The country vibe and acoustic flare combination to this dark, bluesy track is what has Kopek messing with a new direction and taking a risk to keep a listener intrigued. Even though it’s much of a downer to the album, the pace is picked up in “The Easy Way (D.B. Cooper).” Clearly, the rockstar in this track is Cooney. The upbeat, punk-pop proficiency of his drumming keeps the vibe rolling.
“Bring it on Home” and “Love Sick Blues” reinforce the electric guitar and ’80s vibe the album is all about. Then, there’s “Bigger Than Us;” a song that is totally the opposite of everything that Kopek attempted with this album. The radio-friendly tune is one of the few moments in the album that a listener can feel the honesty come alive that a listener can almost forget or forgive the ’80’s thematic album.
White Collar Lies shows the dedication Kopek is as a band. It is not the best production or lyrical innovation to date but Kopek gets an A+ for keeping ‘80s metal alive. For fans of Buckcherry, Hinder, and Velvet Revolver, this album is a must-hear for 2011. For those not so keen of the melodic route, there are some promising points.
Genre: Melodic Hardrock
Band: Daniel Jordan – Lead Vocals, Guitar
Shane Cooney – Drums
Brad Kinsella – Bass
Track Listing:
1. Cocaine Chest Pains
2. White Collar Lie
3. Fever
4. Love Is Dead
5. Floridian
6. Sub Human
7. The Easy Way (D.B. Cooper)
8. Bring it on Home
9. Love Sick Blues
10. Bigger Than Us All
11. Sin City
web site: www.kopekofficial.com
Hardrock Haven Rating: 8/10