DANKO JONES
We Sweat Blood
Razor & Tie Records 2005
www.dankojones.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Canadian hard rock trio releases their sophomore album in the U.S. It’s been out in Europe since 2003.

Genre
Hard rock / arena rock / alternative

The Good
Effective power chords and jarring guitar licks control the opening track “Forgot My Name”. It’s about spotting a girl on the street that’s so hot, you forget your own name. “Lovercall” is dominated by a piercing bass line that’s followed by some driving riffs. Jones uses a spoken-word delivery, but pulls out the melody on the catchy chorus. “Dance” is comprised of a repetitive lick in the verse sections and body-jerking rhythms that kick in by the chorus.

Danko Jones’ anthem track must be “I Love Living in the City”. It has a chant along hook and it’s stacked with memorable hard rock riffs. “Wait a Minute” has a frantic vocal delivery and a fast-paced drum attack. “Strut” uses simple power chords and guitar licks to pump up this female anthem of sorts. It could easily become a runway model or stripper theme song. Danko opens the gates of hell on “The Cross”. His angered vocals more than perpetuate his pain.

The Bad
Nothing notable

The Verdict
Danko Jones come off as a modern day version of Kiss on We Sweat Blood (without the make-up & theatrics of course); lots of anthems, party tracks, and songs about the appreciation of the fairer sex.

Did You Know?
Danko Jones released their first EP in 1998.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne