Danko Jones
Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue
(Bad Taste Records)
4/5
Don’t expect this Toronto-based rock trio, led by Danko Jones himself, to slow down, ever. After releasing a two-disc documentary DVD in June and a book earlier this month, Danko Jones are capping off a full media onslaught with the release of their sixth studio album, Rock and Roll Is Black and Blue.
This is another installment in the straightforward, live, and loud sound that the band has done for years. Tunes like “Just a Beautiful Day” and “I Don’t Care” come at the listener fast and hard, but without screaming or whining to detract from the rocking. The sexy strut of “You Wear Me Down” feels like “Bounce” from their first EP, which is nothin’ but a good thing. This is another record that begs to be cranked up as loud as your ears can handle.
There’s no beating around the bush from these Toronto rockers. If you like rock and roll that translates to a kick-ass live show, let these guys turn you black and blue.
-Dan Darling
The Acacia Strain
Death Is the Only Mortal
(Rise Records)
4/5
Death Is the Only Mortal is the sixth album from death metal crew The Acacia Strain. The album gets off to an impressive start with the dark, nihilistic doom metal of “Doomblade,” a sludgy assault with creepy samples reminiscent of British doom legends Electric Wizard.
The band blends aspects of hardcore, death, doom metal, and noise rock to create an unexpected and often innovative record. Bassist Jack Strong keeps the listener guessing, switching from an airtight staccato assault to a unique amelodic lurch on tracks such as “The Chambers Nautilus.”
This is an album from a band at their creative zenith: the instrumentals are at times staggeringly heavy and wholly refreshing; the downside is that some of the lyrical content comes across as an afterthought and is decidedly average.
This is a very impressive effort, essential for those who enjoy unconventional and daring metal.
-James Down