DANKO JONES are one of the biggest forces in the hard rock circuit with an impressive career that spans twenty five years.
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, the band is pioneered by the man himself, Danko Jones, who with the release of their latest album celebrates the band’s 25th anniversary.
Their ongoing success is, in large part, thanks to the fact that they have consistently delivered straight-forward, uncompromising rock hits. And with their tenth album, Power Trio, they’ve truly solidified themselves as a household name in hard rock.
Power Trio is full of instant rock classics, with an eclectic mix of sleazy singles like Saturday and I Want Out to deeper, dirtier cuts like Blue Jean Denim Jumpsuit and Ship of Lies.
Each track sticks to the classic DANKO JONES formula with a central riff, a bridge that breaks the rules slightly, and an explosive chorus reminiscent of classic rock acts like MOTÖRHEAD and JUDAS PRIEST.
While some might snub their nose at formulaic rock tracks, fans of DANKO JONES will relish in their trademark hard rock sound.
And if you’ve listened to DANKO JONES before, then you’ll know to expect lyrics that depict images of debauchery. Visions of excessive behaviour are most prominent in Good Lookin’, Raise Some Hell, and Flaunt It.
Some may criticise DANKO JONES, accusing them of riding on clichés, especially when at comes to their song titles and lyrics.
But at the end of the day, DANKO JONES know what they are and what people expect of them, and they do what they do very well. I mean, if they weren’t doing a good job, they wouldn’t be a quarter of a century into their career.
Although Power Trio is your classic DANKO JONES record, it wasn’t made the same way most rock records are, in the studio.
According to the main himself, DANKO JONES said that tracks like Blue Jean Denim Jumpsuit was made during lockdown with equipment provided by bass player, John ‘JC’ Calabrese.
With the incredible production you wouldn’t be able to tell the record was largely recorded in a home studio which again proves just how talented DANKO JONES are. They really are the Power Trio.
It’s their talent both as musicians and songwriters that has allowed them to craft eleven stupendously brilliant hard rock tracks and consequently an album that is a real treat for fans old and new.
Not only is the music addictive, but one of the best things about hard rock is that it provides fans with an escape, encouraging them to tap into their wildest fantasies.
2020/21 have been difficult collectively, with many challenges thrown our way and with troubling times comes a feeling of constant uncertainty.
And in times of uncertainty, allowing yourself to relish in fantasy and escape is not a bad thing.
So, if you’re looking for a chance to forget about the world’s problems for a while and/or want some straight-forward rock and roll, then check out DANKO JONES’S latest album Power Trio because it will not disappoint.
Rating: 9/10
Words: Megan Taylor
Power Trio is out now via Mate in Germany/Tonpool
Find DANKO JONES on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
