Album Review - Winger - Karma - RevelationZ Magazine

The band Winger has had several decades worth of ups and downs. From the quick commercial success of their bouncy AOR debut and the polished up followup, to the coming apart, and sinking popularity that followed the release of the decidedly un-hair metal-like "Pull". A decade plus went by and the band was broken apart, doing their own things and being quiet until a return for "IV" which dealt with modern warfare and was a dark and often depressing release. This fifth album "Karma" is another turn of events all together. It shows a band that not only has a firm grip on the future but also recognizes the past and manages to meld the two into a ten track attack of music that borders on the par excellence. Every component is exceptional, the performances, the songwriting, even the production. If they intended to go for the jugular, they certainly have accomplished it and in style.

"Deal With the Devil" is a showcase for Reb Beach's squealing guitars that dance lightning over a rock tempo crackling sky. This is hooky and driving, a simple premise in a smashing package. "Stone Cold Killer" has the smoking rhythm section and pointed vocals that are red hot and positively smoking. A whirlwind bridge hits harder than the chorus which blends in comparison. Beach's signature guitar sound is written all over this one, razor sharp and flirtatious with the flesh. "Big World Away"'s relentless machine gun delivery on the verses opens up into this magnificent melodic chorus, pouring in unexpectedly. Progressive sweetened airy touches pop in like speculations on a dream. A heavy ripping modern track that blends the world weary commentary and black edges of "IV" with the edgy cutting melody rich rock from "Pull".

Kip Winger's voice, sensual and tantalizing, teasing and pleasing for the pulse quickener, "Come a Little Closer". The song focuses upon this grounding point, dark as black potent coffee and equally adrenaline-shocked caffeinated. Thick sludgy riffs roar power, glory and self assurance. The rhythm drives deep, dangerous and primal while the voice bleeds in, beckoningly sharp and burning in sensation. A song of all grooves and agonizing slickness, a pouncing playful chorus as wicked as the music that surges around it. Quick, fast and ending in a climax that just cleverly pins you in for more. Love the burrowed splitting vocal lines bouncing back and forth like fragments from a deliciously guilty conscious. That slow sensuous rhythm is like the mesmerizing switch of hips from a slow high heeled walk for "Pull me Under". Uncoiling hypnotic and plunging deep, mindful of the carefully planned seduction. The chorus unfurls like an ecstatic revelation, a "Supernova" release from the clutching hands of that provocatively steady rhythm. A keyboard swirl latches the hook and Kip's voice sweeps you in the effortless tide, the deceptively sweet eye amidst the raging hurricane.

"Can't Shake You" splits open in a vibrant, metallic backdrop, given shape and direction by Kip's gorgeous vocals. The chorus is a burst of sweetness, like fangs sinking into the hard skin of a tough fruit to find the interior explodes in this soft, tangy, syrupy flavor. Kip's voice is airy with lightness, saccharine delight and Beach's guitar heart rendingly pure.

"Always Within You" has piano and vocals that open this emotive ballad, easily cloudlike but dripping with meaning. The song tightens up for the shapely chorus and the beautiful rich moments that follow. Reb's guitar is a fantastic counterpoint compliment, hitting these rounded perfect notes that enrich the song while driving their own bubbling mark. A ballad here, becomes a declarative epic. "Feeding Frenzy" nails that modern "Push" sound with a knowing pulse in the media's fascination with celebrities acting badly and so-called "reality" programming alike. Deep thumping in the bass, sizzling on edge guitars and heaps of melody stacks the song as a catchy casual pleaser. Not as grounded as others on the album, it lacks the substance from other tracks and thus likely will not have the same kind of staying power.

"After All This Time" is all about the groovy blues. Brokenly lovely vocals, relaxed pacing and soaring guitars make it a nice breather. "Witness" is a fresh take on the extended ballad, a new "Headed For a Heartbreak", if you will, complete with a winding, lengthy guitar solo to spin out the last moments in electric bliss. Winger's voice is a blessing, with this irresistible brush of wistfulness. His voice is fire and passion, so hot it burns right through the song. A lovely love-affirming ballad that has all the old Winger melodic trappings but wrapped in a modern fusion that lends it this time unaffected quality. A song not identifiable by any particular date or decade, and all the better for it. Just an exceptional emotional experience on many levels. And the heavenly vocal harmonies on the ending? Just perfect.

Winger's "Karma" is quite the accomplishment indeed. There is a fine balance between modern and melodic, and they walk that fine line perfectly. Kip's vocals are simply out of this world, Beach's guitar work is energized, inventive and captivating. The songs are tight as can be, holding a multitude of surprises within. Besides a couple of cuts that seem to wane more than the rest ("Feeding Frenzy" mainly), this is a must have album that will surprise even those that think they know what the band Winger is all about, and for those who do not, it will surely change their outlook and convert a wealth of skeptics over to their side. One of this year's greatest discs, no doubt, and a tremendous success for the band.

Written by Alanna
Saturday, October 3, 2009
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Ratings

Alanna: 8.5/10

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