Tracks like “Comfortably Dumb” and “Run” remind me how good Extreme is at the whole funky rock business. The choruses cut loose with the trademark harmonies and Nuno’s riffs engage with Badger’s bass to bring a feel-good vibe to each track.
There are a number of unexpected moments on Saudades de Rock as well, such as the rapid-fire lick of “Flower Man,” on which Cherone spits like a fanatic and the song takes an almost pop-punk turn, or “Ghost,” which shows that Gary and Co. have clearly been paying some attention to Chris Martin.
The thing about really great music is that it elevates the psyche, shakes the spirit, and quickens the heart without sacrificing any truth. With Extreme’s latest, the music does all of that and then some.
There are moments of extreme greatness and beauty, like the evocative vocals of “Last Hour,” and moments of comedy, like the truly amusing “King of the Ladies.” The band runs the breadth of emotions and genres, even fucking around with a little rockabilly on “Take Us Alive.”
With other veteran acts from the 80s pulling comebacks this year, Extreme stands alongside the best of them with some truly enriching music. Packed with lots of surprises and enough traditional moments to please fans both young and old, Saudades de Rock sure as hell satisfies any nostalgic yearning for rock.
Article comments
1 - Rishi Gajria
Absolutely agree, This is an exhilarating return by Extreme. The songs really jump out at you and the melodies grow with every listen. Listening to Star for the third time and it's already modern classic for me. Thanks for the informative review. There is a paucity of reviews for this one on the web.
2 - Josh (from HyBrid band)
great review! I agree. They're an inspiration to me for sure! Excellent review.... just ease down on the swearing ;)