The Damned Things - Ironiclast
Rating
RIYL
ElvisThe Rollings Stones
The Beatles
‘Merica!
Release Date
12/14/2010
Label
MercuryTracklist
1. Handbook For The Recently Deceased2. Bad
3. Friday Night (Going Down In Flames
4. We ve Got A Situation
5. Black
6. A Great
7. Little
8. Ironiclast
9. Graverobber
10. The Blues Havin Blues
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For years music enthusiasts have been scratching their heads in a state of bewilderment, trying to figure out what the hell happened to Rock and Roll. Every band you hear on the radio sounds identical; their lyrics lack any real substance, all the chords and musical structure are laced with mediocrity, and to be frank about this topic, they all suck. So if you’re thinking, “Bill, what’s your point?” just chill out and I’ll tell you. My point is this: three of the biggest bands in their respective genres have forged together to fashion what could possibly be today's musical messiah. What are the ingredients of this Rock dish that makes their sound ever so tasty? It goes as follows: two parts Fall Out Boy, two parts Anthrax and two parts Every Time I Die all served on a silver platter to provide you with a four course meal that can only be thought of as The Damned Things.
When I first heard of this group's thoughts of banding together to kick out some jams, I felt like a pubescent teen stumbling upon his first dirty magazine. Then I heard their debut full length, Ironiclast, and it felt like I met the love of my life. Ironiclast is ten ferocious tracks of unadulterated Rock and Roll. The album’s inaugurating track, “Handbook For The Recently Deceased,” immediately throws a groovy southern riff into your ear ducts and is instantly accompanied by Keith Buckley’s ever so dynamic vocals. Buckley’s vocals soar higher on this album than anything you have heard him do before. “Bad Blood” is an instant hit, combing the greatest aspect of each individual band member's main band, and it may very well have the catchiest chorus that you find yourself ever nodding your head to.
“Friday Night (Going Down In Flames)” and “ We've Got A Situation Here” are two of four tracks that were leaked off the album before its official release. These two particular songs compliment each other like Ralph Kramden and Ed Norton... POW! Right in the kisser! Both songs sound like they could be straight off one of Every Time I Die’s most recent efforts but hold a very unique sound that it seems only The Damned Things can pull off. If it’s Friday and all you’re doing is anticipating whiskey, cheap beer and the weekend, be sure to listen to “Friday Night…” It’s sure to amp your ass up. One of the album’s more “poppier” tracks is “A Great Reckoning.” Keith’s lyrics seem a lot more personable on this one and all the guys in the band seem to tone it down a bit. No need to fret however, the track that follows picks right up and gets your head back into that steady nod that you found it in a few minutes beforehand. “Little Darling” has a flow to it so smooth that Keith Stone would be shitting his pants in jealousy. The song carries a heavy weight of cocky swagger while effortlessly taunting the female audience, all while carrying a sack filled with balls of steel. It’s definitely one of the best tracks on the album.
I want to make sure I touch base on the last two tracks on the album. The reason being is the simple fact that they possess the very essence of the Rock and Roll sound. Coincidently they both have a southern / bluesy flare to them. “Graverobber” showcases the entire band's ability to turn what brought them together into what’s going to turn them into rock elitists. The guitar tone is impeccable on this track complementing Andy Hurley’s innate ability to make the drums his bitch. However, it’s “The Blues Having Blues” that really smacks me in the face and makes me realize what had just occurred for almost forty minutes. What is that you ask? Goosebumps, the hairs on the back of my neck standing up, wet pants… you get the point. This track has Jack Daniels and Budweiser oozing from its musical pores. Lyrically, it’s classic blues. Musically it’s almost a modern day rock ballad without the sissy nonsense and makeup; definitely the preeminent track to seal the album with.
For those who have lost all faith in Rock and Roll, let me reassure you that all hope is not lost. You have just read a cliffs-notes version of what could be said about these guys… and this is just their first album! Only time can tell what the future has in store for The Damned Things. I’m no Sylvia Browne, but I can assure you that these guys will be in the forefront of the rock scene before we can realize what even happened. Ironiclast is sure to be a notch in the 2010 history books. When you first embark on this journey of epic musical proportions, do yourself a favor and don’t go into it with any preconceived notions of what you think you should hear. Just because the band has members of Anthrax and Every Time I Die, it doesn't mean it’s going to be heavy. Just because they have members of Fall Out Boy, it doesn't mean you’re going to head straight to Build-A-Bear and buy your girlfriend a cute and cuddly stuffed object just so you can play “ouch, ouch, you’re on my hair.” The Damned Things are on a whole other level than what you may think, so my suggestion to you is that you climb that ladder and join them, because there’s a party going on and you’re missing out on all the fun.
--Bill Lohr
Comments
San Diego, CA
I disagree slightly with the RIYL but other than that...spot on ole boy. Loving this album.
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
I have lots of thoughts about this record, right now all I can say is Friday Night... and Little Darling are all what bands like Hinder only can wish to be someday.
Bass, Guitars and Drums is all I need. Strong contender for my album of the year.
Lehigh Valley, PA
Ha the RIYL is kinda facetious
San Diego, CA
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
Raleigh, NC
I like a few of these songs, especially We've Got a Situation, but the rest of the album is pretty bland to me.
Spokane, Washington
i do like the album...it's what's needed in the rock world right now, but it's far from a 4.5 album in my opinion.
Current Listenings:
7 Horns 7 Eyes - "Throes of Absolution"
Horse Feathers - "Cynic's New Year"
Andrew Bird - "Break It Yourself"
Sigur Ros - "Valtari"
Rocky Votolato - "Television of Saints"
Janus - "Nox Aeris"
Blues Traveler - "25"
in this context of what's needed in rock music today, it deserves the score.
West Haven, CT
I think its kind of boring.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Coopersburg, PA
I'm glad you said this because I was thinking the same thing. All the songs sound the same to me, the only above average thing about this album is the vocals, but they're still a little bland compared to what Keith Buckley is capable of. For the genre, this is a good album, but it's not something I would listen to very often.
West Haven, CT
I'm 100% with you on this.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Bronx, New York City
i love this album only slightly less than i love nice, large, natural cans... which is to say "a lot." i didn't dig the first single the first few times i listened to it, but i persevered and was rewarded with awesomeness. when the album finally came out i hadn't been thoroughly prepared for the rock that came through the surprisingly good speakers of my truly shitty 2001 Camry. still, after a long ride from the Bronx to Albany to Jersey and multiple listens, i knew i was in love.
i'm not sure what to qualifies in what genres anymore, but i know that this is just balls in your salad rock music. and that it's one of the best albums of the year. the highest praise of all is that this is quite possibly better than the sum of it's parts, and that's sayin a lot.
--FTTW--
West Haven, CT
I guess I got tired of straight rock music. Cause this bores the shit out of me.
The Cityscape Burns Brighter By The Hour.
Bronx, New York City
"bored" is exactly what i felt when i first heard it. i didn't expect it to grow on me, yet somehow it did. i'm not saying to give it another chance, i'm not even sure why i gave it another chance, just glad i did.
--FTTW--
Fishers, Indiana
This is good. It's not what I'd normally listen to, but it's just good. I think I'm sharing most other opinions here though, that I'm just not a "straight rock" kinda dude anymore. It's really hindering me from loving it.
This might sound like blasphemy, but the middle of the CD reminds me a lot of later Coheed and Cambria, only with a higher percentage of testes.
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