Radio host, Rock and metal columnist, Spoken word enthusiast, Danko Jones is many things, but the most important thing in this particular area of interest currently, is a hard rock magician. The Ontarian frontman and his three piece have been slinging their brand of no nonsense rock and roll for over twenty years now and neither of the mainstay members, Jones and bassist JC don’t seem stopping any time soon. With “Wild Cat” being their latest release, let’s see just how dangerous this animal could be.
Straight away, opening track, “I Wanna Rock” nails you with the high octane, adrenaline fuelled slice of attitude it carries and despite how simple and straight forwards it may appear to be, it is that very simplicity which drives it on and really nails the theme for the album on the whole. “My Little R’n’R” has a bit more of a dirty blues vibe to it with a hook laden, catchy chorus and more clichés in it than a Bon Jovi song. Lyrical metaphor drinking games aside, it has that slick attitude needed to pull it off and it won’t be out of your head any time soon.
Pretty much the remainder of the record, much like most of Danko’s back catalogue follows suit with the trends established over his musical career. “Going Out Tonight”, “You Are My Woman” and “Do This Every Night” invoke the classic 70’s hard rock kick with elements of Thin Lizzy in the mix whilst the breakneck speed vocal delivery of “Let’s Start Dancing” has shades of Steven Tyler of Aerosmith… Minus the Aerosmithness of it all (Don’t ask, it just does), whilst “She Likes It” actually does have the Aerosmith sound to it.
Title track “Wild Cat” though epitomises the album along with pretty much any other work released by Danko. No fuss, no messing, infectiously catchy and memorable hard rock and roll at its finest which would make for both an enjoyable live track or something to kick back to.
In all, it’s a decent enough recording. Musically, short of the consistency in the delivery and rhythmic control, it’s nothing special… But that is in fact in some paradoxical way, the reason why it is so special. The straight up rawness and attitude in the music along with the foot stomping, head nodding classic rock overdose is what makes this record hold replay value. Despite the number of times you hear it, it always proves to be enjoyable from a listener’s perspective and with the combination of the catchy rhythmic and vocal hooks, it will be a mission to get Danko and his boys out of your head!
(8/10 Fraggle)
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