DC4 | Electric Ministry
by Erik Tweedy
Staff Writer
Ever wondered what David Lee Roth would sound like if he sang for a metal band? The latest release from DC4, Electric Ministry, has vocalist Jeff Duncan channeling one of rocks greatest front men, albeit, it is not the Woman and Children classic VH vocal style we are all used to, but more like a 50 year old Roth and surprisingly it works well here. From start to finish, Electric Ministry is a very solid release, made up mostly of straight up in your face hard rock that is heavy on guitars and stretches Duncan’s vocals to the limit.
Kicking things off is the acoustic inspired intro “Wrecktory” complete with what sounds like flies finding their final resting place in a bug zapper, Electric Ministry hits full speed with the title track as this balls out rocker showcases the talents of all 4 members of this Los Angeles based metal outfit that features former and current members of Armored Saint, Odin and DIO. Up next is a song that could have been inspired by porno star, Ron Jeremy, a friend of the band. “XXX” is about exactly what you would think it is about, nothing but sex. Pretty cheesy lyrics, but catchy riffing and monster drumming by Shawn Duncan make it easy to digest. On track 4, you can’t help but notice the DLR similarities and it’s appropriate the song is titled “Rock God”. A full on barnburner with an Iron Maiden inspired guitar solo that would make any video game Guitar Hero jealous. This one will have you hitting the replay button and is one of the many reasons to own this CD.
There are several standout tracks on Electric Ministry, “25 to Life”, “Glitter Girl” and “Sociopath” are all flat out rockers with some smoking guitar solos throughout and feature one of the better rhythm sections playing the Sunset Strip these days. The guitar work is quite impressive throughout and really showcases what is slowly becoming a lost art form in American hard rock music.
A couple of odd tracks are included in this 11 track package, “The Ballad of Rock and Roll”, a melancholy look at a musician’s lifelong ambition to sing until his last dying breath is a nice break from the metal onslaught and includes more of that tasty guitar work by Jeff Duncan and Rowan Robertson. “Dirty Hands” is a piano based, acoustic track that would be right at home on any release by former American Idol winner Chris Daughtry. Not a bad track, but seems out of place and doesn’t fit in well with the rest of this release.
While the songwriting may not be the best and some of the lyrics a bit juvenile, overall, Electric Ministry provides the listener with everything a metal record should be. Complete with great guitar riffs, plenty of very good solos, backed by a pounding rhythm section and a vocalist that is more than capable of handling the material, Electric Ministry is a very enjoyable listen. If you like your rock hard, in the vein of Armored Saint, Megadeth, Anthrax with a touch of Alcatrazz, Maiden and Van Halen, then you need to buy this release, you will not be disappointed.
Band:
Jeff Duncan: Lead Vocals/Guitar
Rowan Robertson: Guitar
Matt Duncan: Bass
Shawn Duncan: Drums
Track Listing:
Wrecktory (Intro)
Electric Ministry
XXX
Rock God
25 to Life
Broken Soul
People
The Ballad of Rock and Roll
Glitter Girl
Sociopath
Dirty Hands
Label: Metal Blade
Website: myspace.com/dc4duncan
Hardrock Haven rating: 8.2/10