WIG WAM - Wall Street (New Single 2012)

Sound:

TYKETTO - Dig In Deep ( Release: EU Apr 20, USA Apr 24, Frontiers Records)

 

After 18 years from their last release with the original line-up the guys are back with Dig In Deep. Though many fans, like me, were eager for an album in the vein of Don't Come Easy this new album is in the line of Strengh In Numbers, acoustic guitars, raw sound, austere production and some smooth modern feel in some guitar riffs and drums. The opening track Faithless shows the updated sound of Tyketto, one of the rawest songs ever recorded by this guys that comes with strong guitars and a heavy and modern riff, even Danny's vocals seems to be recorded without reberv. and some stronger backing vocals are missed. Interesting is the break built on cellos and spanish guitar that comes after the guitar solo.
Love To Love starts acoustically but soon becomes electric. Good guitar work but weak chorus while Vaughn is at his best.
Here’s Hoping It Hurts though it comes with some acoustic guitars and the same raw vibe all over the album, this track will remind you of Don't Come Easy days. Killer chorus and nice solo for a sure shot... this track should have been the first single from this album.
Battle Lines is a beautiful acoustic mid-tempo introducing some Hammond and with some reminiscent of End Of Summer Days. Precious and smooth track, the more you listen the more you like it, the only thing with this cut is the sudden end that will take you by surprise.
The Fight Left In Me is an interesting tune, the most curious with this song is the flamenco style guitar solo even introducing some castanets and clapping hands. Also interesting are the straigh initial guitar solo and a catchy chorus that has Tyketto's trademark.
Evaporate comes with a funny and catchy chorus but the bridge that leads to the break at the middle of the song doesn't fit at all with this tune. Very nice backing vocals at the end of the song.
Monday is an electro-acoustic mid-tempo with beautiful and smooth chorus.
The rest of the album keeps the same raw vibe with the exception of This Is How We Say Goodbye an acoustic ballad introducing some violin and with a country-western vibe.

In summary, though there are some very good tracks the whole album is a bit dissapointing and not what most of fans were waiting for. Danny Vaughn keeps being and impressive vocalist and Brooke St. James guitar work is ok but this raw sound and some weak songwriting make this album doesn't reach expectations.

Best tracks in order of preference:

Here’s Hoping It Hurts
Battle Lines
Faithless
Evaporate 

Sounds:

EUROPE - Bag Of Bones (Release April, Gain (Sca) earMUSIC/Edel (EU) Victor(Jap))

Since their reunion in 2003 Europe decided it was time to change direction into a much harder and modern sound and that's reflected in their four albums released since that time. Bags Of Bones combines melody with strong and heavy riffs and Hammond keys all produced by Kevin Shirley but songs offer nothing new, no catchy chorus, no funny tunes, no impressive solos or riffs... no nothing. The sound of this album is some kind of Led Zepp meets Black Sabbath meets Deep Purple all under the name Europe and covered with a modern vibe... strange mix.
Riches To Rags is built on heavy guitars and some Hammond. Is a raw and dark tune.
Not Supposed To Sing The Blues is the first single from this album. The song comes with a heavy rhythm and some arabian touches. Some guitar distortion reminds of Soundgarden while the track is heavy on Hammond.
Firebox is an alternative cut. You'll find reminiscent from India that leads to a nice guitar solo. Drums could be taken by any album of Alice In Chains.
Bag Of Bones starts with some acoustic guitar and Hammond but soon becomes faster and electric. This cut is one of the highlights of this album.
Requiem is an instrumental piece of only 29 seconds while My Woman My Friend once again comes with a heavy riff but this time guitar solo is quite good.
Drink and a Smile is so Zeppelian built on acoustic guitars and ending with some clapping hands while Doghouse is raw with an excellent work by John Norum. Tha last part of the album is more of the same with the exception of Bring It All Home, a ballad introducing some piano but built on modern drum rhythm. Maybe the best song in this album and a sure single.

In summary, an album that comes late. This sound is more from the 90's and early 00's and nowadays the public is turning into a more melodic style so fans of the 80's Europe will hate this album while new fans won't find anything interesting here so the album will enjoy some success when release, specially in northern countries, but soon will fade from charts everywhere.

Sounds:








Not Supposed To Sing The Blues (official video)