the Struts : "Pretty Vicious"

 

If the members of INXSs and Buckcherry got together to form an AC/DC tribute band the results would not be unlike what goes down on the opening track to the Struts new album. They lean more towards the INXS side of this equation on the title track, which also sets its sights on a less rock and more pop-minded sound. It has more of its own thing going than the title track. "I Won't Run" has a more casual feel to it's relaxed radio rock feel. It does owe a little more to the 80s in some ways. The lyrics are not the strongest we have heard from these guys so far. It is well produced but plays it too safe by falling too neatly in the middle of the road with the vocals are the most redeeming element. In many ways, this mix reminds me of the new Menzingers album. 

The soulful vocals to " Hands on Me" have an anthemic pop-rock radio feel. The guitar solo is more of an accent as they are quick to follow a formula. It would only take aa little twan to make this pop country. The guitars sit back in the mix more than what you expect a rock album to sound like, well at least around here. There is a hint of barroom blues on the more Rolling Stones like "Do What You Want". Though the danger the Stone had has been compressed out by studio plug-ins/ The brightness of the mix, also conveys the overall celebratory feel of the album."Rockstar" is almost like Cheap Trick but even happier. This formula becomes really tedious by "Remember the Name". 

The power ballad "Bad Decisions" is a little more effective for this kind of arena rock ."'Better Love" feels more like Duran Duran.  The guitar playing on this album is pretty decent. These guys are not shabby musicians. "Gimme Some Blood" is another more soul-driven ballad. They rock harder than Duran Duran. on this one putting them closer to say the Black Crowes. The album closes with another ballad this one the least impressive as it has more of a Paul McCartney feel. I will give this album a 7.5 as it's a little to formulaic and happy for me ,but it is well done and they have the sounds slickly dialed in.