16 illinoisentertainer . com septenber 2024
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Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators — are highly impressive on The Art of Letting Go . Backed by his band comprising Zia Uddin on drums and Tim Tournier on bass , Kennedy has created a collection of 10 enormous melodic tracks . From the opening guitar riff of the title track to the haunting melody of album closer “ How The Story Ends ,” Kennedy demonstrates a knack for creating catchy and memorable compositions . Tracks such as “ Mr . Downside ,” “ Nothing More To Gain ,” and “ Dead To Rights ” are a bit heavier than the rest of the tracks , which contain more hefty guitar riffs that wouldn ’ t sound too out of place on the last Alter Bridge album . The upbeat rocker “ Say What You Will ” pairs well with the emotive “ Miss You When You ’ re Gone ,” while the slow , balladesque “ Eternal Lullaby ” adds a whole other dynamic element to the record . All the tracks boast highly memorable storytelling , which has become synonymous throughout Kennedy ’ s past musical endeavors . At the same time , the production by longtime friend / producer / engineer Michael “ Elvis ” Baskette is nothing short of audio excellence . The Art of Letting Go perfectly expresses Kennedy ’ s musical journey , showcasing his prolific songwriting skills , captivating vocals , and unique riffs and chord progressions . Appearing 1 / 17 / 25 at The Forge , Joliet
– Kelley Simms
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VERNI Dreadful Company
( M-Theory )
DD Verni , better known as the bassist and founding member of New Jersey ’ s thrash-metal wrecking crew , Overkill , is always looking for new musical avenues to explore apart from his full-time day job . His goth / punk side band , The Bronx Casket Co ., and his big band , DD Verni & The Cadillac Band , allow him to create something musically different . Verni ’ s second solo album , Dreadful Company , returns to his punk roots . Influences from The Misfits , The Stimulators , Ramones , Green Day , Social Distortion , Motörhead , and Volbeat are littered throughout the 11 raucous tracks . Verni has always supplied crushing background vocals in Overkill , but by taking on the lead vocal role here , Verni more than proves that he ’ s perfect for this material . His voice is melodic and engaging . In addition to lead vocals , Verni plays his chosen instruments , the bass guitar , and the guitar , while former Overkill drummer Jason Bittner lays down monstrous drum beats . “ Lunkhead ” is the perfect opener ; decorated with simple Ramones-esque , distortion-laden riffs , accompanied by a swirling guitar solo handled by none other than Anthrax / Pantera drummer Charlie Benante , it gloriously segues into one of the most anthemic and infectiously chanted choruses ever created ; spelling in a song has never been more fun ! “ Cemetery Safari ” consists of tongue-in-cheek lyrics about touring the world and playing music for over four decades : it ’ s punky , thrashy , and fun all at once . Several tracks are enhanced with infectious ’ 50s rock / doo-wop background vocals , adding a sharp dynamic to melodious vocal harmonies ( see “ Tears On My Heart ”). From the chant-able chorus of “ All You Need To Know ” to the highly memorable “ The Whore With The See Thru Shoes ” to the modern punk flavor of “ Red Flag ,” Verni sounds like he ’ s having the time of his life . Verni has never been shy of doing unusual cover songs and making them his own , such as his version of Queen ’ s “ Death On Two Legs ” from Bronx Casket Company ’ s AntiHero and Lynyrd Skynyrd ’ s “ Free Bird ” from Hellectric . With BTO ’ s “ Takin ’ Care of Business ,” Verni takes a cold hard classic and funks it up by giving it a “ metalized ” injection . It ’ s the perfect vocal range for Verni , and the harmonies are as sweet as molasses . Every track has numerous standout moments : huge vocal harmonies , anthemic singalong choruses , abundant counter melodies , and memorable major chord progressions . Dreadful Company is an enormously fun and raucous album . It ’ s great to see this side of Verni , engaging and playful while showcasing his vibrant vocals , prominent bass playing , and guitar skills .
– Kelley Simms
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MICHAEL HUTCHENCE “ One Way ” b / w “ Save My Life ” ( Boss Sonics / Deko Ent .)
Quintessential 20th-century rock star Michael Hutchence had an outsized presence and voice that have proven irreplaceable since his untimely end in 1997 . Fortunately for his enduring fans , producer , Black Grape veteran , and close friend Danny Saber has released a pair of new singles crafted from acapella recordings made by the INXS vocalist during the mid- ‘ 90s . The songs are apparently the result of a meticulous process of curation that Saber began after unearthing the recordings circa 2006 . The bracing “ One Way ” surges with ‘ 90s alt-rock swagger . Austrian drummer David Piribauer ’ s heavy rhythm underscores grinding guitars and pulsing synthesizers . Hutchence ’ s vocal exudes casual bravado in the search for kicks and camaraderie . “ I ’ m gonna climb a mountain that ’ s
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