Album Review - Danger Danger - Return of the Great Gildersleeves

There's always an album or two from a major band that seems to slip under the radar, despite critical acclaim and explosive buzz. Some ten years, after its initial rocking of the melodic rock world, "Return of the Great Gildersleeves" is that album for Danger Danger. Overshadowed by the their huge 80s debut and the comeback of their original lead singer, "Gildersleeves", once their impressive crowning glory, has been kicked under the throne and left to rust. But it shouldn't. This is one impressive, thunderous album, that seems to suffer for not having Ted Poley on board... but here, they didn't really need him, as welcome as his return on "Revolve" was, there is a part of the soul that yearns for the delightfully nasty modern, slicked-up vibe of this explosive disc.

"Grind" is a rhythmic pounder, vocalist Paul Laine delivering lines straight from the gut with power and finesse. Razor sharp and paper smooth, Laine has the swagger to pull off the gritter tracks and and the rounded subtlety to drive home the lighter tracks. Bruno Ravel is in fine form, electrifying his strings all over the tracks live a live wire. Brilliant performances, catchy songs, and slick production round out the album, into a thing of near perfection.

Granted, there are a few songs that lose their footing, such as the spacey, effect laden "Million Dollar Man", which is fueled by an interesting concept but the inspiration just doesn't pan out, and "Get in the Ring" which is a juvenile filler bit that does have a decent chorus but lacks the punch and sizzle of the rest... and oh how the rest are so worth skipping these two.

"Dead Drunk & Wasted" is a clever upbeat stick of dynamite that has the rhythm to hook you, the vocals to enchant you and the guitars to keep you humming right along. The chorus is like an atomic bomb, just dropped out of nowhere with remarkable explosive effect. Delightfully dark and warped, it throws out the conventional repetitive stylings of a typical "party" tune and transcends into something deeper and edgier, while retaining that sing-a-long feel. Just superb in every aspect.

"Dead Dog" digs even deeper, six feet under even. A trudging, thick song, entangled in sludgy guitar and snarling vocals, "Dead Dog" knows its place and comes slinking out, teeth bared and throat vibrating with a soul wounded growl. An intense track that is reminiscent of some of Winger's more brooding moments. Paul Laine's vicious, venom dripped vocals convey the picture so vividly.

"When She's Good" has that uptempo raunchy feel nailed down exceptionally. This came off of the "Cockroach" album originally, and has been punched up considerably for the "Gildersleeves" release. Tons of effects, a gigantic chorus and vocals so deep, you could drown. "I Do" is another big melodic rocker, frolicking in the glow of love that keeps hanging on. Times may make a turn for the worse, but a promise in the end is a promise, and here is kept and meant straight from the heart. A stirring emotional lyric and keyboards that are very much along the same lines as early 80s Foreigner, that help further define and shape the nature of the song.

"My Secret" is soft and very tactile. It's all about drums, acoustic and vocals, lending it an organic, intimate kind of feel. A jarring change of direction after the souped up, AOR intensity of "I Do", but it also showcases a more accessible side of the band. Another great piece that shouldn't go without mention is the lovely concocted "She's Gone", a massive melodic rocker that whips out the classic AOR feel and keeps it rolling until the end. Paul's vocals are torn straight from the heart, and drip over the song with such a prevailing sense of loneliness and seperation. There are places where the atmosphere and backing vocals recall Foreigner's "Girl on the Moon". A carefully spun track that just oozes emotion out of every instrument and note.

"Cherry Cherry" puts Bruno Ravel on vocals and is motivated by the legacy of KISS type rock anthems, and a little UFO thrown in for good measure. "Walk It Like You Talk It" is another "Cockroach" piece that has been amped up into a tough tumbler track that has the hard, fast attitude of Motley Crue.

It all comes down to the bottom line, "The Return of the Great Gildersleeves" is a classy melodic rock album that blends modern flourishes with AOR/high octane hard rock seamlessly and with style. Tracks like this make one wish they had kept Laine on board too and become a double vocalist outfit. Of course, that didn't happen, but we still have a scattering of good albums from this era of Danger Danger, with this one being the absolute cream of the crop, hanging out confidently on top. If you bypassed it upon release, perhaps it is time to go scrounging around in bargain bins and see if you can unearth this. For fans of 2000s Harem Scarem, "Pull" Winger, and "Transistor"-ish TNT, with a few pure melodic gems mixed in for good measure.

Written by Alanna
Saturday, March 12, 2011
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Ratings

Alanna: 8/10

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