This new release feels more a “proper” one being entirely original material written for this album rather than re-hashes like on DD. Sick does not strike anyone as punk in the slightest sense, well no more so that Phil Collen’s outfit Manraze. This is merely good pared down heavy rock done with lots of attitude and gravitas. It contrasts greatly with GnR and even Velvet Revolver, showing Duff doing music at its base level.
Raucous catchy songs abound from the title track through to the end. This is a much better release than the original Loaded effort and far better than say the last VR album. Good seat of yer pants hard rock can be just what the doctor ordered sometimes. Loaded fills that prescription.
Chickenfoot: Chickenfoot
A supergroup on the scale of Damn Yankees back in the 80s, this lot is just dripping with talent. Guitar teacher/maestro/guru Joe Satriani on guitar, Sammy Hagar on vocals, Chad Smith (of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame) on the skins, and Michael Anthony of Van Halen on bass. It’s a formula that has in the past either failed miserably or created something pretty damn amazing. You will be relieved to know that the only thing that is daft about this lot are their name.
By far the most impressive thing any of them has been involved with in many a moon, they seem to have taken their talents and merged into some very special indeed. The Hagar/Anthony duo on vocals reminds us of the glory days of Van Hagar. There is still incendiary guitars on here but they are of the Sachmo variety as opposed to the Eddie variety. There is less an LA feel to this stuff and something more gritty Tex/Mex rock. I think ZZ Top shows up in the sound.
Songs inspired by Sammy’s Cabo Wabo lifestyle abound. Considering this project started due to a tequila fuelled jam at this the Red Rocker’s personal bar in Mexico it's pretty impressive; a great album any way you slice it and one that works with summer weather.
Of course, what most people are really itching for is to see this lot live.
Woah, that is rare, a complete column with not one turkey in the bunch. This is proving a great summer for those in love with their rock. Something for every rocker’s taste.
Check out whomever you can live and stay safe.
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