THE POODLES - review added 6th April 2011
Album Review: Performocracy (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
Swedish act The Poodles formed in late 2005 and, just like fellow Scandinavians Wig Wam, got their big break through the Eurovision Song Contest...although in this case they only got as far as the qualifiers. Their superb debut album "Metal Will Stand Tall" came out soon after and shot to the top of the Swedish charts. following releases "Sweet Trade" (2007) and "Clash of the Elements" (2009) both produced charting singles, meaning this is actually a hard rock act that's tasted lasting success, something quite unusual nowadays.
"Performocracy", the band's fourth studio album and debut with Italy's Frontiers Records, is more or less a continuation of the band's existing style...but with a different vibe layered over the top. This is a much more mature record than before. It follows the basic rule of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for about half the album. The other half is still very Poodle-y, but with a twist or two thrown in for good measure.
Jakob Samuel's vocals are as awesomely unique as ever, though he definitely sounds more controlled this time round. On past releases he has sounded quite mad (in a good way), but here he sounds totally at one with his music; like a man who no longer needs to push the boundaries of taste to make a point. I loved his over the top delivery of old, but this more mature approach does him great credit. Is it better? Not sure.
The musicianship and songwriting both follow a similar pattern. There is no revolution going on here, this is still The Poodles through and through, but it's now a band who've got past their young exuberances and are starting to make seriously intelligent music. Whether that will please the masses remains to be seen.
The tribal-ish opening of 'I Want It All' leads into a fine first song. The chorus is stunning. 'Until Our Kingdom Falls' is an understated but excellent soft rocker. 'Father To A Son' is a good listen, but it could have done with a bigger crescendo. 'I Believe In You' is a heavier entry and, though it lacks a big chorus, the absence of a big hook doesn't seem to matter so much. 'Cuts Like A Knife' is closer to the old Poodles sound, still with the more modern subtleties. 'As Time Is Passing' is the first ballad and it has a vast film score feel.
'Love Is All' is a little U2-esque in the background. It's another great sounding song that could have done with a bigger hook. 'Your Time Is Now' is a thumping track that has hook to spare. Much better. The slow and groovy 'Action!' is a fine track too. 'Bring Back The Night' is a modern tinged song that, again, is good but far from perfect. 'Vampire's Call' is a catchy little number with, er, plenty of bite. 'Into The Quiet Night' is a much bigger song and arguably the best on the album. It still isn't as good as the band's best work, but it's heading in the right direction. Final entry 'Don’t Tell Me' is a superb track too, again fighting for top honours.
In Summation:
"Performocracy" is a wonderful sounding album with huge performances. The Poodles have grown up, but I'm not sure I wanted them to. The best songs are brilliant, but much of the album is merely average, and that's a real shame.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. I Want It All
02. Until Our Kingdom Falls
03. Father To A Son
04. I Believe In You
05. Cuts Like A Knife
06. As Time Is Passing
07. Love Is All
08. Your Time Is Now
09. Action!
10. Bring Back The Night
11. Vampire's Call
12. Into The Quiet Night
13. Don’t Tell Me
Band/Performers:
Jakob Samuel - vocals
Pontus Egberg – bass
Christian Lundqvist - drums
Henrik Bergqvist – guitars
Other Info:
Produced by Mats Valentin
Mixed by Tobias Lindell
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): The Poodles | MySpace | Facebook
