In the ever-changing world of rock and metal, where scenes and trends seem to come and go as quickly as fashion seasons, there is an argument for reliability and consistency; a bolt hole for knowing exactly what you’re going to get and how you’re going to get it. For want of a better expression, let’s call this McDonald’s Rock.
Step forward then, The Dead Daisies. Since 2013, this revolving door collective of artists with umpteen years of pedigree and heritage (erstwhile members of Motley Crue, Guns ’n’ Roses, Whitesnake) have been ploughing their rockin furrow with continued success, almost despite the prevailing fashions and moods.
They inhabit a world where the rock star remains the last proverbial cowboy in town and their artistic repertoire covers those well-worn paths of excessive partyin’, rockin’ until the break of dawn and tragic broken relationships. All of this set to a soundtrack that shouts classic rock. This is the world of big riffs, big vocals and big choruses. If you like your classic rock, there’s a fair bet that you already like The Dead Daisies.
Their latest release, Burn it Down (Spitfire/SPV), is another slab of efficient and occasionally effervescent rock music. Lead single, ‘Rise Up’ is a call to arms protest against all that’s wrong in the world today and is as fist pumping arms raising as you might expect. Closing track ‘Leave Me Alone’ has a bit of unexpected bite; the title track has a welcome blues infused guitar part that is atmospheric and impactful. Elsewhere, you don’t need me to tell you what ‘Bitch’ or ‘Judgement Day’ are all about.
It is incredibly easy to be cynical about what The Dead Daisies do. The lyrics are telegraphed at you from a mile away; the riffs have plundered mid period Priest, Aerosmith and AC/DC and they haven’t passed on a “wooo-ooah” since Jon Bon Jovi eulogised that dock worker.
And yet, let’s be fair for a minute. There’s nothing wrong with mid period Priest, Aerosmith and AC/DC and, if the adage that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery holds true, then this is a band that deserve some sort of credit, surely? Burn it Down may not be world-changing but when you’re in a festival field and the heavens open (as they invariably will) then it’s this warm, familiar sound that you will be wanting in spades. Burn it Down presents itself without pretence of being anything other than what it is: entertaining, diverting and grin inducing. If you need your classic rock itch scratched then Burn it Down does it very well indeed.
Extra fries then, please.
7.0/10
MAT DAVIES