I don’t think anyone is running around accusing Russell Allen of being lazy but, true to his contrarian nature, his current work output is something approaching Stakhanovite in nature. This digital only release of covers and acoustic versions of songs from Adrenaline Mob is, presumably, some kind of a stop gap until the band get around to recording the follow up to Men of Honor. With Allen spending much of 2015 working on the new Symphony X album, Dearly Departed (Century Media) is going to act as a reminder that, despite all the comings and goings in personnel (the departure of Mike Portnoy being the most notable in recent times), Adrenaline Mob remain a going and thriving concern.
Your view of Dearly Departed is going to depend on your view of Adrenaline Mob and your view of the role of the cover version as part of an artist’s canon. This might be a self-evident truth but one does detect a bit of a sneer around this kind of endeavour, however well intentioned. In the case of Dearly Departed, the second covers album from the band, it’s fun. It’s lightweight fun, most assuredly, but fun nonetheless.
As with other Adrenaline Mob releases, the production on this record is big, modern and polished. The vocals are high in the mix, showcasing Allen’s voice which works well for the acoustic versions on show here: ‘Angel Sky’ and ‘All On The Line’ from Omerta and Men of Honor (both Century Media)’s ‘Dearly Departed’ all get thorough run outs. I’m not entirely convinced that the world actually needs an acoustic version of ‘Angel Sky’ but these things are pleasant enough and Adrenaline Mob junkies will lap it up.
The covers include the very-hard-to-bugger-up ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ from the Charlie Daniels Band, a warm and faithful Black Sabbath medley and a sprightly and convincing rendition of Queen’s ‘Tie Your Mother Down’. For this listener though, it’s the Pat Travers band cover of ‘Snortin’ Whiskey’ which is the most inspired choice, suggesting the band have a deeper musical hinterland and a better sense of humour than I had previously given them credit for: it’s punchy, gnarly and a very welcome appearance.
Dearly Departed is no world changer but, a bit like finding some cash down the back of your sofa, it will bring a smile to your face. Don’t expect too much and leave your prejudices at the door and you might find yourself enjoying this.
6.5/10
MAT DAVIES