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| Metal/Prog Metal CD Reviews |
| Track by Track Review
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When Monkeys Fly
A crunchy riff and a series of breaks are what make up the groove. With the rhythm section adding a lot of sass to the mix, this is an undeniably awesome opener. It combines the 80s style these players are known for, with a 90s edge to it. But the result is actually-all their own. Every player finds room to shine in his own right on this monster. It lets the monkey out of the cage, as the lyrics suggest. This is powerful and gutsy.
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Golden Gods
This has an eastern, majestic vibe going on with the vocals coming on even stronger. It is sounding somewhere between Led Zeppelin and the Scorpions. Sometimes it even sounds just like each band. It weighs in just as heavy as the opening track, and that’s a good thing. |
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Accountable
Things get a little more mainstream at first on this one, with the lyrics getting a message across about not being taken for a ride. It’s heavy but melodic with killer guitar fills. The sonic factor is lifted at this point. |
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Power
This is somewhere between the previous songs with a slower groove to it. The vocals keep it interesting, and once again the guitar is coming on strong. The bass playing of Kit Bohannon throughout this album is in your face at all-times as well, laying down a solid foundation for the whole band to rock it out. |
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No Complaints
The album starts to peak at this point, although every track brings something to the table. "Stop whining and get on with the show" is what it’s all about. The guitar solo is massively groovy. You’re just really into it by now, and there’s no turning back on the Jack. |
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Home
They sound like a completely different band once the vocals kick in on this. However, you still know it’s just more Jackfoolery as drummer Rich Morris takes the mic for an interesting twist. It’s dark and brooding, something like Iron Maiden would do back in the day. This track makes the album for me, and I’m a big fan of the lead singer as it is. |
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Spy vs Spy
Speaking of the vocals, they get even more into the picture on this with a fantastic chorus that really stretches it out. There are several epic tracks on this album. This one deals with the world around us, as it seems to be going into terminal velocity. It’s simply another excellent delivery of an original well-written, produced and arranged song. |
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Hearts In Charge
The vocals maintain the magic once again on this fantastic number with all the modern retro-rock bells and whistles. This is absolutely pulverizing. |
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Putting Up With Me
They tone it down at just the right time on this one, but it helps the message along on another amazing vocal performance by Larry Smith. This brings out his mature side, and the next track his playful side. |
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Smoke And Mirrors
The album closes on a high note. These musicians get down second to none together as they smoke their way out on this sizzling track. This is probably my favorite, but I love them all. The vocals fade into the guitar solo like the magic the song carries.
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