Naughty Boys Destiny Calls
by Ken Mac Vicar
Staff Writer
The Swedish based rock band Naughty Boys actually dates back to 1989, with the current lineup being finalized in 1992 and their first CD subsequently recorded the following year. The band initial release was well received in Europe and the album was subsequently distributed by Mega Rock Records in eight countries. Despite this initial success, the band went their separate ways in 1994, not to re-unite until 2002. The first three track CD from the reunited Naughty Boys was released in 2003, and one of the songs, “I Will” found its way on to the www.melodicrock.com Beast Inside compilation album. The track was also picked up by radio stations around Europe and the US, making on to various play lists.
The band, Morgan, keyboards; Hasse, lead guitar, Micke, vocals and guitar; Jonas, drums; and Robert, bass, returned to the studio in 2005 to record 15 new songs, which was released as R U Naughty Enough in 2007. This album reflected a heavier less glam sounding approach than that of the original line up and laid the groundwork for Destiny Calls. On it, the band finds a solid balance between their original power pop side and the heavier influences that would define their reunion.
The album opens with the title track, “Destiny Calls,” a fast paced three cord rocker built around a driving AC/DC like riff and Micke’s gruff vocals. The tune builds into a big chorus followed by a blistering solo. A fitting introduction to the glam boys from Sweden; it preps the listener well for what’s to come. “Walk Away” opens with a down and dirty riff, almost reminiscent of early Ratt and is an excellent showcase for Micke’s voice. Instead of soaring through the chorus, he takes a more laid back approach which is much more effective. The track is highlighted by a pure ’80’s solo from Hasse and some excellent rhythm work. “Endless Pain”, the first single off the album slows the pace down a little and is built around a funky mid tempo bass line that is augmented nicely by some tasty guitar work
The semi power ballad “Don’t Turn Around” kicks off with some intimate piano before breaking into a solid rocker. The track is very Dokken like, anchored by solid bass work that allows Hasse some breathing room to lay down his vocal track, which is emotional without being sappy. The piano returns post verse to add some nice depth to the solo and instrumental outro.
“Light of Day” opens wit a Zeppelin like riff over a pounding bass line that carries into and behind the verses. One of the heavier tracks of the album, layered keyboard effect is added in the bridge before the chorus to provide a more pop feel. A definite standout track, it has a great start and stop feel throughout that will keeps fist pumping.
The band slows it down with “Eternity,” opening with Micke’s vocals accompanied by piano. It’s a classic lighter/cell phone raising power ballad, think “Heaven” by Warrant or Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be there for You,” particularly in the backing vocals It’s the one track on the album that feels somewhat dated.
“Broken” finds the boys on more comfortable hard rock surface, a pumping bass leading into some down and dirty riffing. Micke’s’s vocal approach is pleasantly raw in the pre-chorus, despite some less than stellar lyrics. The song chugs along nicely, into a big chorus which becomes a little too poppy with the keyboards. “Time” is a solid rocker, opening with a great crunchy riff that leads into the bass driven verse. The guitars plow back in full bore for the bridge and a great sing along chorus. The band does a great job in breathing some fresh life into the lyrical concept of time, it’s never clichéd nor does it borrow from other songs on the subject.
“Head Held High” is a power pop tune that’s again reminiscent of Dokken, with the use of keyboards and the lower vocal range of the chorus. The song contains an excellent solo break and some solid rhythm work, lifting it above a generic ’80’s clone. The band flexes its collective muscle on “Runaway Train” opening with a tough riff and vocal intro. The tune has a mid tempo beat that really draws the listener in, a distant cousin of Pantera’s “Walk”. The band is at its best when they lay down these slower riffs, in particular the bass work of Robert, along with Micke’s grittier vocal approach are a highlight of these songs.
It’s difficult not to think of Slaughter’s song of a similar name but “Fly with the Angels” closes the album in excellent fashion. It’s full of some excellent guitar work throughout be Hasse and Micke’s vocal style is different enough to keep the chorus form sounding like Slaughter. All in all, an excellent track that shows what this band is truly capable of.
Bottom Line; this is an album for anyone who enjoys big riffs and melodic choruses and if you happened to be alive and listening to music in 1987, so much the better.
Label: N-Records
Track Listing;
1) Destiny Calls
2) Walk Away
3) Endless Pain
4) Don’t Turn Around
5) Light of the Day
6) Eternity
7) Broken
8 Time
9) Head Held High
10) Runaway Train
11) Fly With the Angels
HRH Rating: 8.5/10