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DANKO JONES
Electric Sounds
AFM Records

As with most things in life, things that look similar on the outside have a uniqueness that sets it apart from its counterparts. Coffee for example. On the outside it's just made of beans, and usually you're sipping on it half asleep in the morning to get you motivated to start your day, whatever that entails. But of course a closer inspection finds all kinds of different flavors and notes that sets one apart from another. Or cars. It's just a means of transportation to some, right? But to others, it's a work of art, a passion of paint, fabric, chrome, alloy and horsepower that sets their heart ablaze. So too, there is music. Specifically in this case, hard rock. There is a genre of music for pretty much every person on planet earth, should they choose to find it. The legend that was Ian Fraser Kilmister, or simply Lemmy to most of us Rockers, hated the pigeonholing of a genre in relation to his band MOTORHEAD. He simply stated that they played Rock And Roll. Period. And who was going to argue with him about it? They were one band from their inception in 1975 that you could find equal parts Rockers, Punks, and even the odd person who didn't really follow heavier music would be into MOTORHEAD. And I feel like the namesake band named after the singer, songwriter, guitarist and all around shit-talker that is DANKO JONES falls into that same category. They are equal parts hard rock, a little punk rock attitude, a dash of Metal, and add the pop sensibilities of song craft and there you have it. DANKO JONES really don't fit neatly into any particular genre, but I think fans of all genres should find something to dig into.

Formed in 1996 in Toronto Canada, the band has been tirelessly working since their inception, releasing 10 albums and touring pretty much non-stop. Not only a musician but a huge fan of music, Danko himself has even had guest appearances on albums from Texas' own BROKEN TEETH, to VOLBEAT, to Canada's own RAZOR and ANNIHILATOR, and even THOR and MARTY FRIEDMAN! A grouping as eclectic as the band themselves.

Album 11 for DANKO JONES the band is Electric Sounds. And like Danko himself, it has a few guest appearances as well. And we'll get to those in a minute. Album opener "Guess Who's Back?" asks that question before Danko himself answers with "ME, MUTHAFUCKA!!!" letting you know in no uncertain terms that the attitude along with the rock is back! The song demands to be played at excessive volumes. The more people pissed off, the better. A classic album opener if ever there was one. "Good Time" has Danko letting you know that he lives life with no regrets, and he's here to "Fuck Shit Up and Have A Good Time". LoL. Rock 'N Roll from its very beginnings has been all about rebellion and attitude and giving the middle finger to authority. And no one does that better than Danko. And somehow he does this in the confines of short, melodic bursts of riffs, power chords and pure attitude. The title track "Electric Sounds" is the first of 3 songs with special guests, and this particular track has Daniel DeKay, guitarist from Canadian Thrash Metal legends EXCITER lending his axe to this riffing banger. "Get High?" is song #2 with a guest player, this one featuring Damian Abraham from FUCKED UP, is more in the vein of THE OFFSPRING musically with a melodic hook.

"Stiff Competition" is NOT the CHEAP TRICK track but a slow, grinding Danko original. I don't think I've mentioned that DANKO JONES is a three piece. Bassist John Calabrese (or JC as he's known) holds down that bottom end while drummer Rich Knox keeps that steady beat. Both help keep the DANKO show moving. "She's My Baby" ends the trifecta of guests as Tyler Stewart of BARENAKED LADIES joins this up-tempo banger that will probably have the pit going bat-shit crazy with the punters slamming each other around. "Eye For An Eye" is another up-tempo rocker with Danko reading someone the riot act who "think they have Danko by the balls". More of that classic Danko slow burn on "I Like It" while "Let's Make Out" has a hook that will be an earworm for you, so watch who you're around when you sing this one at work. 😁 "What Goes Around" is a high energy blast that should get fists airborne and heads banging. Album closer "Shake Your City" is a personal favorite, I like to call a 'Face-maker'. You gotta make that angry face when you hear it because it just gives off that kickass energy. No smiling in real R'N'R!!

Album 11. 11 songs in 37 minutes. In and out. No fucking about. Rock doesn't have to change the world. It just needs to make your body move and make you feel good. Make you sweat. Maybe make you a little uncomfortable. And for sure piss somebody off with attitude. If this sounds like your kinda Rock, check out DANKO JONES. And keep an eye out as these boys are always out on tour spreading their rock to as many people as they can reach, cranking out those Electric Sounds!

This type of music deserves some Vinyl, and it's out there kiddies! And it's available in several different color combos and limited pressings! Guess Who's Back indeed!!

4.0 Out Of 5.0 Skulls