DANKO JONES
Sleep is the Enemy
Razor & Tie Records 2006
www.dankojones.com

Sample it here

Live Danko Jones pics

What’s the 4-1-1?
Fifth full-length release for this power rock trio.

Genre
Hard rock / metal

The Good
How Danko doesn’t stumble on the tongue-twisting chorus of “Sticky Situation” is beyond me. His musical back drop is layered with simple yet effective power chords. “Baby Hates Me” treads AC/DC territory with its biting riffs and lamentations of love. Danko is more melodic and soulful on the mic than Bon Scott and Brian Johnson ever were. Jones comparison between the addictive qualities of a fine woman and a controlled substance are fairly close on the rapid-fire track “She’s Drugs.”

There’s no doubt that the repetitive hooks of “The Finger” will become a Danko live set anthem, complete with audience participation. The lyrics of “First Date” are sure to connect with single listeners, and the memorable chorus will reel in everyone else. As cool a rock song as “Invisible” is, sorry Danko, I just don’t believe that any guy will rip his nuts off for any one. Powerful drum work and fuzzy guitars dominate “Time Heals Nothing.” The album's title track “Sleep is the Enemy” barrels along like a collage freshman jacked up on No-Doz.

The Bad
A full album should be more than 34 minutes. I want more Danko! Plus, Europe has had this album for months.

The Verdict
Danko Jones really knows how to craft simple hard rock songs, and make them infectious enough to burn in your head forever. Sleep is the Enemy is a perfect example of that.

Did You Know?
Frontman Danko Jones hosts his own radio show on 93.5 FM in Stockholm, Sweden called The Magical World of Rock.

Rating: out of 5

Related Reviews:
Danko Jones - We Sweat Blood

--George Dionne