After a slight departure from my usual subject matter, I am back with some headbangers. Veteran bands that are 20-30 years old are keeping rock alive and well these days. Blink-182, Staind, and Taproot have all reunited and put out new music. Creed is rumored to reunite and tour in 2024, and their greatest hits album is currently #1 on iTunes rock albums chart for some reason. I take my blog posts seriously. I take the time to listen to the music before, and while, I write. I try to be descriptive without being repetitive or colloquial, within my limitations knowing that I don't have true music theory under my belt. That being said, I could go on describing several tracks from each album listed below. However, some friends and readers said to keep it short, so that's what I'll try to do for these new rock releases. If you want me to elaborate, I'd probably be thrilled to talk to you about it so please comment, text, FB, etc. Most importantly, listen for yourself! Don't forget to peep the other notable albums at the end of the post. Thanks for reading.
Danko Jones - Electric Sounds
From opening track "Guess Who's Back" Danko and company pump out the jams with bravado, attitude, and frankly fun like few bands can. This is their 11th studio album although they are under the radar to many people in the USA. They've been incredibly consistent, but I think this is their best work since 2012's Rock and Roll is Black and Blue. It is certainly more cohesive and riff-tastic than their last few albums. The one criticism I will give is that the lyrics are simple and the themes are kind of basic. On the other hand, they are only "here to fuck shit up and have a good time" and who can argue with that?
Sleep Theory - Paper Hearts EP
Staind - Confessions of the Fallen
It's their first release since 2011 and yet it seems it hasn't been that long since Aaron (vocals) went country and Mike (guitar) spent time in Newsted before forming Saint Asonia with former Three Days Grace singer, Adam Gontier. At 10 songs and 36 minutes this album is easily digestible. In fact, I've played it almost every day since it came out. Fans of the band should notice a sound familiar to 2001's 5x Platinum Break the Cycle. There are rockers like the lead single "Lowest in Me," penultimate track "Hate Me Too," and the heavy "Cycle of Hurting" where Aaron delivers some of his best growls! There are some optimistic songs where Aaron's lyrics really shine through on "The Fray" and "Better Days." Then there is the second single, and standout ballad track, "Here and Now." Upon first listen I didn't think it was anything special compared to "Outside" or "It's Been a While." However, there's a couple things that have changed my mind. First, the video is about a man and his father that has Alzheimer's disease. This adds a total new dimension to the lyrics that otherwise might be interpreted as being a typical breakup song. The video has gotten a ton of great responses, and I challenge you to not tear up if you have someone in your family with Alzheimers, or even have lost a loved one recently. Secondly, is the talent of Aaron as a singer and songwriter. I went from being iffy on the song to hearing it replay in my head and belting it out in the shower. I have always loved Aaron's voice and story telling ability. I think he's one of the best and most underrated vocalists of our time. He hasn't lost much talent either. I just saw him this summer and he can still sing with all the emotion and range like he could 20 years ago.
Taproot - SC\SSRS
Another band with its first release in over a decade is Taproot. This is a band that was popular in the nu-metal era, but they always had their own style and sound. A lot of that can be attributed to the unique singing style of Stephen Richards. It is at times melodic rapping, smooth crooning, or growly screams. He is quite impressive. The other musical dynamics are regular rhythm changes and frequent breakdowns that keep the listener interested throughout. SC\SSRS offers 10 songs, plus a bonus track which at the same time sounds like old Taproot and fresh and new equally. They still have their original bass player, and this album marks the return of original drummer, Jarrod Montague, who sounds terrific and has been promoting his return on Facebook for quite some time. It's hard for me to pick a favorite song because I like them all. The bonus track "Hey" has a very catchy chorus between driving rhythm sections in the verses. The aptly titled "Favourite Song" might take the cake. It is the most unique song. It features a poppy chorus complete with "hey-yo's" and "la la la's." Just when you think you've accidentally skipped playlists, here comes Elias Soriano from Nonpoint to deliver a rapping part and then it finishes with some heavy riffing. Fans should love this album and I also hope it brings a lot of new followers. If you can, catch them live as they put on great performances.
Other new albums of interest :
Out now
Beartooth - The Surface
Black Stone Cherry - Screamin' At the Sky
Of Mice & Men - Tether
Red - Rated R
October 20, 2023
Blink-182 - One More Time...
Rival Sons - Lightbringer
October 27, 2023
The Gaslight Anthem - History Books
Mark Tremonti - Christmas Classics New & Old
Taking Back Sunday - 152
November 3, 2023
Atreyu - A Torch In The Dark EP
Dirty Honey - Can't Find The Brakes
Spiritbox - The Fear Of Fear EP
Static-X - Project Regeneration: Vol. 2
