The songs are strong, the entertainment value is completely evident yet the band has not lost track of the fact that it is not quite 1989 anymore and even give the feeling that they don't particular care either... Danger Danger's "Revolve" marks the 20th anniversary of the band's existance on the planet (in one lineup or another). It is the first for Ted Poley in many a year, not that he hasn't kept himself busy with solo albums and collaborations. Bruno Ravel is noted on bass and Rob Marcello handling the six strings (who was just amazing in the Marcello-Vestry outing last year).
 
The music is very tight, centered on big melodies and even bigger choruses. The lyrics are sharp, and often quite clever, giving a singing commentary to the plights of aging (while still feeling 18 inside), the wishful woes involving a monetary lacking, a handful of questionable relationship decisions and much more. The songs that follow these themes are just as bright and musically forgiving as the lyrics themselves. Poley's vocals are the landmarking highlight, possessing such a unique voice, he simply needs great music to surround it and a solid melody to follow and the results are guaranteed to be golden. Marcello's guitars offer support, identity and texture while the rhythm section keeps the music shuffling along.

The best of the bunch comes down to the acoustic driven, laid-back flowing ballad "Fugitive", whose sharp clever lyrics and soothing pacing make it a pleasant heart break drive through aural rolling hills blooming in emotion. Heavy on attitude and positive wishful thinking gives "F.U. $" a unique spin. Mid tempo pacing, booming thick backing vocals and sweet lyrics make it a sing-a-long track that commiserates where many of us are feeling the pinch these days... the want of a bigger wallet. This one hammers out a summer time groove and just infects the listener with the need to rock n roll all night and party all day (or any combination thereof).
 
"Beautiful Disaster" begins bluntly and rides off like a thoroughbred from that promising starting point. The noose gets tighter, the song gets darker, and the acknowledgement of falling for a "pretty face, with trailer park grace" locks the listener in with alot more grace than the song's target possesses apparently. This one is quite the catchy tune as well. Blips, beeps and spacey touches fill in the atmosphere for "Rocket to Your Heart", a modernistic melodic track that scrambles for a melody line and lets go a bit too much for the chorus.
 
"Dirty Mind" is voyeuristic naughty, the theme being "if you can't have her, then ahem...take in all the detail and then...'fantasize'...about her", and it is still an insanely punchy little tune, that's fun without being frantic.   Melodic excess and a delightful bit of unrequited lust there. "Hearts on the Highway" has the magic of freefalling AOR in its hands, richly abundant in melody, its enough to drown you in as it wraps you in its clutches of a love that goes against all odds. An ill fated romance that one can't help but root for. "Killin' Love" features these deep thumping bass lines that ignite the song just beautifully.

And really there isn't a filler in the bunch.  Some songs are not as shiny as others, but the whole disc is one smooth listen of uplifting tracks making the majority and a few contemplaters thrown in for depth value. 
 
"Revolve" is the most complete return to form that Danger Danger has attempted yet.  Paul Laine is indeed missed (a great underrated vocalist there), but with Poley back on board in the mic position things seem more like D2 as we remembered it from yore than a new invention of their wheel.The songs echoing the big bodied sentiments of the AOR-esque debut and the dirtier rock in "Screw It", this disc is a tasteful mash-up of the two.
 
The songwriting team between drummer Steve West and bassist Bruno Ravel shows itself to be a great match. Ravel's production is sublime as well, giving the disc a full, round and positively HUGE sound that pushes it to the forefront. "Revolve" sounds like a big budget record and great care has been taken to give it such a smashing presentation.
 
This one is not just for the Danger Danger fans out there, but anyone who enjoys the 80s rock signature and devoured discs like Marcello-Vestry and Poley-Rivera.

Written by Alanna
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Show all reviews by Alanna

Ratings

Alanna: 8.5/10

Members: 8.33/10 - Average of 3 ratings.



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guitarman Rating: 9/10 No review was posted

Tommy Rating: 8.5/10 Alanna captured the feel of this outstanding album nicely; it really gets around and manag... · Read more ·

ProfessorShred Rating: 7.5/10 Was an enjoyable listening experience,of particular note was Rob Marcello's lead guitar pl... · Read more ·

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Review by ProfessorShred (Member) - Friday, September 4, 2009

View Profile Comments: 16 Ratings: 45 Was an enjoyable listening experience,of particular note was Rob Marcello's lead guitar playing,just spectacular. Rating: 7.5/10 Posted by ProfessorShred Friday, September 4, 2009

Review by Tommy (Member) - Saturday, September 5, 2009

View Profile Comments: 74 Ratings: 31 Alanna captured the feel of this outstanding album nicely; it really gets around and manages to sound authentic in every aspect. I'm completely crazy with That's What I'm Talking About , it's so subtle and yet so immensely huge and groovy...and that chorus, awesome. Keep On Keepin' On is a positive energy rush that will get you excited sooner or later. Ingenious lyrics, stunning production, great musicianship and no real fillers, Beautiful Regret do miss a bit of spark though. Ohh, and I almost forgot the spellbinding launch of Rocket To Your Heart, that start gets me every time, pure magic. Do yourself a favour and check this one out, it most surely will grow on you. Rating: 8.5/10 Posted by Tommy Saturday, September 5, 2009

Comment by Revgoomba (Member) - Monday, September 7, 2009

View Profile Comments: 20 Ratings: 0 Let's get NAUGHTY NAUGHTY!!!!!! Posted by Revgoomba Monday, September 7, 2009

Comment by Stuart (Staff) - Monday, September 7, 2009

View Profile Comments: 116 DOWN AND DIRTY!! It's been ages since I listened to Danger Danger, perhaps its time to give the new stuff a try. Posted by Stuart (Staff) Monday, September 7, 2009

Comment by Alanna (Staff) - Thursday, September 10, 2009

View Profile Comments: 245 Oh DO check this one out, it just keeps growing on you the more you listen to it! This has been my constant companion for over the past week and Tommy is right, that opening song is a real rock n roll killer of a song. Gets the album going to a fine start. "Never Give Up" is another very strong song that gets overlooked to begin with. A very delicate little ballad that is both sweet and hopeful. What an excellent release by these guys! Posted by Alanna (Staff) Thursday, September 10, 2009

Comment by Alanna (Staff) - Thursday, September 10, 2009

View Profile Comments: 245 Oh DO check this one out, it just keeps growing on you the more you listen to it! This has been my constant companion for over the past week and Tommy is right, that opening song is a real rock n roll killer of a song. Gets the album going to a fine start. "Never Give Up" is another very strong song that gets overlooked to begin with. A very delicate little ballad that is both sweet and hopeful. What an excellent release by these guys! Posted by Alanna (Staff) Thursday, September 10, 2009