The Poodles' debut album, '
Metal Will Stand Tall' was essentially a collection of high quality off cuts and out takes, rerecorded with style, invention and a cutting contemporary edge (by Matti Alfonzetti).
It brought this co-operative of veteran rock musicians well into the mainstream spotlight, and gasp, almost had them representing Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest.
As has been well documented, despite the band name and album title, the music wasn't glam and it wasn't metal. What it was could readily be described as outstandingly good, post modern hard rock.
'
Sweet Trade' continues where '
Metal...' left off, and if anything, it's a more cohesive effort, with a notable evenness in the witheringly high standard of songwriting. This time, it's all the band's own work.
They've perfected the trick so successfully employed on the debut, skilfully combining old school melodic rock with contemporary production values, structurally tight, lyrically deft.
The 12 songs overflow with towering hooks and soaring harmonies, peppered with bass heavy riffs, driving rhythms and singing axework.
Among many standouts, the euphoric, hands in the air belter
'Band Of Brothers', the urgent, compelling
'Heavens Closing In' and the immediate, poptastic
'Seven Seas' vie for pole position.
Elsewhere, thrill at the way that '
Kiss Goodbye's scratchy funk morphs into a melodic rock monster. Be astounded at
'Shine', a truly magnificent kitchen sink ballad. Be impressed by openers '
Flesh And Blood' and '
Streets Of Fire',
AOR with a genuine adult resonance.
Unarguably,
'Sweet Trade' is irresistible, a triumphant follow up to the debut.
Don't miss it.
Written by
Brian Monday, September 17, 2007
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