- advertisement -

DANKO JONES
Wild Cat
Bad Taste Records

The name DANKO JONES first came on my radar when brother Jason McMaster sent me a cd of a compilation of 2 of DANKO's finest work, that being 03's We Sweat Blood and 06's Sleep Is The Enemy. Both albums seething with a Punk Rock sneer, a Metal attitude and pop sensibilities. So I hopped aboard the DANKO train bound for Rock 'N' Roll immortality. DANKO is one of the very people that I can say that I've never seen live, and with inroads to America coming at a snails pace, that looks to continue into the foreseeable future.

However, there's always new music to investigate, so let's delve into the latest from DANKO JONES (The Man and The Band).

Wild Cat is its name, and Rock 'N' Roll is its game. The simple yet eye-catching cover of an angry kitty lets you know in no uncertain terms that No Petting is allowed! Album opener "I Gotta Rock" is vintage D.J., a uptempo rocker giving the multitudes the DANKO manifesto: he's ready to set the town alight! Great sing-along chorus that would (should) be the tour opener.

"My Little Rock 'N' Roll", with the only D.J. holdover bassist JC Calabrese laying down a thumping distorted bass rhythm whilst umpteenth drummer Rich Knox lays down some serious cowbell!! The DANKO formula down to a tee. "Going Out Tonight" sees the tempo go up a notch with a driving Rock riff and a little 'oh-way' singalong to boot.

"You Are My Woman" has such a great THIN LIZZY vibe that it easily became one of my faves on the album. I do think Phillip Parris Lynott would nod his head in approval. Even DANKO's tone and phrasings sound like Mr. Lynott. Trying to do it and pulling it off are two completely different things. "Do This Every Night" has the same ingredients as earlier "My Little Rock 'N' Roll", maybe a bit too similar for these ears. A minor quibble but worth mentioning.

"Let's Start Dancing" ups the tempo tenfold and will have heads banging and asses shaking, even with DANKO hitting an upper register note singing that he may or may not be able to pull off again without a little assistance. Try to sing as fast as DANKO on a few parts of this one and see how tongue-tied you get. Title track "Wild Cat" keeps the energy level flowing and with a higher register again vocally I'd ask that people who have no sense melody in their voice not try to sing with this track as you might find glass breaking and dogs howling. Just a suggestion. Even a little guitar solo from the man himself! Whaaaat???

"She Likes It" has a slow sludge-ified groove and a driving rhythm that is hard to beat. If you like your Rock a little dirty (not lyrically but stylistically) than this is the track for you. The band hitting on all cylinders on this one. Another fave here! "Success In Bed has the naughty (yes, lyrically this time) D.J. overtones, without going over the top. Mid-tempo, cowbell, bass. There you have it. "Diamond Lady" re-ups the heavy factor but still has a very catchy bridge to lessen the pummeling. Watch the speed limit if you're moving as you may find yourself exceeding the posted speed. Should be a stormer live! Add to the fave column. Album closer "Revolution But Then We...." has those mid tempo D.J. ingredients that I've touched on already, no need to rehash them again. Lyrically, Danko is the Barry White of Rock and Roll, no doubt!

11 songs under 40 minutes. Rock doesn't need to be bloated and overbearing: get in, get out, get rocked. That's how you do it! If this sounds like your cup of joe, then brew yourself up a little DANKO JONES. These Canadians can give you decaf, or full bodied flavor, however you prefer it. One lump or 2??

And for the Vinyl familia, there is a limited run of Wax on this one, with some color variations in low quantities. Go get it!

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Skulls

Grab your copy of Wild Cat in the KNAC.COM More Store right HERE.