DAMONE
Out Here All Night
Island Records 2006
www.damone.net

5 Questions with Damone

What’s the 4-1-1?
Boston-based band drop their sophomore release.

Genre
Hard rock / punk metal / melodic

The Good
Now is the Time” kicks thing off with one bad ass metal riff in the vein of the bay area thrashers. Once front woman Noelle starts here vocals, Damone drop into a sort of Joan Jett meets The Donnas sound. Chugga-chugga riffage sets a frantic pace on “Out Here All Night.” Noelle takes you on a melodic roller-coaster ride with her hypnotic tones. Drummer Dustin Hengst sets a steady rhythm on “What We Came Here For.” Driving riffs and powerful vocals take you the rest of the way. Glassine-like arpeggios play in the background as Noelle appeals to her audience on “On Your Radio.” At the same time she’s trying to get a message across to a lover via her preferred outlet.

“Get Up and Go” cranks up the energy level to get your ass moving and fist pumping. An infectious rock riff nails you right between the eyes on “Outta My Way.” Noelle echoes the ferocious licks with her own headstrong vocals. “Change of Heart” has sort of a Sammy Hagar feel during his VOA days. It goes to show you what period influenced the group the most. Damone cap things off with an acoustic version of Iron Maiden’s “Wasted Years.” Yeah, I didn’t think it could be pulled off either, but Noelle really carries this stirring rendition with her beautiful voice.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
After just a few songs, Out Here All Night became my favorite album of this year. If given the chance Damone will quickly climb that hard rock ladder to stardom.

Did You Know?
Founding member Dave Pino (now a former member) was once a member of his brother Dave’s group Waltham.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne