NAUGHTY BOYS - review added 4th September 2009
Album Review: Destiny Calls (2009)
For fans of: Sleazy Rock... and music that's better than you expected
Swedish band Naughty Boys is Micke (vocals and guitar),
Valentin (keyboard),
Hans (lead guitar) and
Jonas (drums). They were formed in 1989 although, with a well-received self-titled debut album released in 1993, the band surprisingly went their separate ways a year later.
In 2002 they got back to together and have been doing their thing ever since. A couple of albums down the road they come to Destiny Calls, the follow up to 2007's R U Naughty Enough?.
The sound is like Edguy holding a graduation party in a giant drum kit. It's loud, sleazy and party-orientated and it's a lot better than I assumed it would be. Singer Micke has some strongly accented pronunciation in places but it's not enough to spoil what is a good fun album.
The album opens with the title track, a song that's as loud and spunky as a megaphone in a fertility clinic. There's a heaviness to the track but the quality of musicianship keeps the power under control. 'Walk Away' is a fraction behind but still has it's moments. It's a mid-paced track with a sorrowful vibe woven into a bouncy rhythm. The happily monikered 'Endless Pain' starts in thunderous fashion but quickly becomes a subdued, brooding track. The chorus is Brachiosaurus sized though and makes up for every second of down-sound.
'Light Of The Day' is orchestral with a filthy edge. The dual attack of sleaze and symphony is akin to Huggy Bear joining Within Temptation and it works brilliantly. The band definitely need more of a symphonic foundation next time; the moments those strings-led harmonies cut in are breathtaking. The ballad 'Eternity' is special too. It's isn't in the international big league with songs like 'Is This Love' and 'I'll See You In My Dreams' but it's only a step or two behind.
'Time' is an example of a good song spoiled by the pronunciation errors. Shame. 'Runaway Train' is led along by a top drum beat and a catchy chorus. The solo section is deeply cool and gives the song that extra degree of excellence albums like this need. Final track 'Fly With The Angels' is, again, good but nothing amazing.
Destiny Calls is a likeable album with lots of pointers towards greatness, but Naughty Boys aren't there yet. More symphonic sound, bigger choruses and even more sleaze would see them going places. As it is they are firmly on the positive side of the good/bad divide.
Check out... 'Eternity'
Track List:
01. Destiny Calls
02. Walk Away
03. Endless Pain
04. Don't turn Around
05. Light Of The Day
06. Eternity
07. Broken
08. Time
09. Head Held High
10. Runaway Train
11. Fly With The Angels
Artist's website(s): Naughty Boys , MySpace
