
ALBUM: A Rock Supreme // ARTIST: Danko Jones
Hard rock gets supremely schooled by stalwart Canadian rockers Danko Jones with their impending ninth full-length album 'A Rock Supreme' due out this Friday April 26th.
Fronted by namesake and podcast king Danko Jones, the Toronto trio have firm and emphatic roots in the rock and roll world; from tours alongside Guns N' Roses, Motörhead and Clutch to millions of streams worldwide, this is a group who habitually stick to their guns - and why wouldn't you when you're armed with more charisma than 85% of last year's Grammys nominees combined. 'A Rock Supreme' won't shock or subvert those in the know of Danko Jones, but it certainly delivers it's titular promise across the space of 11 tracks.
Starting proceedings with the infectious and pointedly titled 'I'm In A Band', it's an apt autobiographical note to open with, and a pretty sturdy representation of the standard to follow across the following album. Opening up with the lyrics "I'm in a band, and I love it / All I want to do is play my guitar and rock and roll', there's certainly no lyrical grey areas ahead, and we rollick instantly into the blazing 'I Love Love' that wields rock god vocals over sturdy guitars and thumping rhythms.
I'M IN A BAND (DANKO JONES)
'We're Crazy' and 'Dance Dance Dance' follow next, both illustrating the trio's endearing "less is more" simplicity; shedding complex arrangements and theatrical tricks, there's a gripping continuity at play that relies on straight-up hard rock with light and shade where necessary in place of flashy solos and musical razzle-dazzle.
DANCE DANCE DANCE (DANKO JONES)
'Lipstick City' barrels in some nostalgic rock tones and swaggering beats, while 'Fists Up High' goes full blazing rock with a hearty dosage of booming bass and jangly percussion beneath Danko's continued powerful vocals. 'Party' up next ups the adrenaline, delivering a high-octane-yet-sparse punk number that serves up some cocky machismo narratives - but sprinkled with a wink of self-awareness that the Danko Jones brand has long been notorious for.
The remainder of the album continues on much as it started, chucking in moments of rockabilly ('You Got Today'), prowling grooves ('That Girl') and frantic riffs ('Burn In Hell') before closing track 'You Can't Keep Us Down' rounds out 'A Rock Supreme', hurling all three Danko Jones gents into a rock and roll hurricane and emerging with a relentless, anthemic rager.
'A Rock Supreme' isn't acting under any false pretenses here; Danko Jones came here to deliver an energetic hard rock album, and deliver they did indeed. If you're a fan of riffs, hooks and strutting, cutting beats - expect the expected from Danko Jones, and you shall be rewarded.
'A ROCK SUPREME' WILL DROP THIS FRIDAY APRIL 26TH THROUGH INDICA AUSTRALIA. FOR PRE-ORDERS & MORE DANKO JONES INFO, HEAD HERE.
BY TIANA SPETER