Danko Jones — Never Too Loud

Never Too Loud

Aquarius/EMI

Erik Missio (CHARTattack)

03/18/2008 4:55pm

Previous Danko Jones albums have arguably served simply as souvenirs of the hard rock trio's infamously incendiary live show. After all, it's hard to capture the revival-turned-sour feel of the band's concerts in a studio. Things are different with their fourth proper LP. Never Too Loud sounds like an album, rather than a close approximation of the real thing. The songs feel more finished here, unlike some found on previous discs where emotion, rather than articulation, was key. It's non-repentantly unpretentious, witty rock 'n' roll (with occasional punk and metal elements), slickly — but not too slickly — produced by Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Rush, Coheed & Cambria). Danko's not particularly known for his crooning. Historically, he's barked, sneered and shouted his lyrics. This time around, a Thin Lizzy thing's going on, with the Mango Kid concentrating more on melody. This isn't to suggest he and the band have gone soft, though. The guitar, bass and drums are still big and tight, and the subject matter remains the same — no saving Darfur or calling out the U.S. government here. Instead, virtually all the songs focus on sex, touring, and/or relationships gone bad. There are three big departures. "Take Me Home" is a love song to a record collection that could easily find itself on FM radio, "Forest For The Trees" — an uncharacteristically sinister epic with contributions by Pete Stahl (Goatsnake, Scream) and John Garcia (Kyuss). Then there's "Ravenous," a deliriously exuberant ode to love (!?). Danko Jones haven't gotten soft... they've just gotten better.

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