TANGO DOWN - review added 21st October 2009
Album Review: Damage Control (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and Sleazy Glam
Look up the band Tango Down on Google and you get a weapons manufacturing/modifying company based in California. It isn't the most exciting weapons company sadly. They seem to specialize in making slightly grippier grips for rifles and pistols. Fortunately, Tango Down the musical combo is considerably more stimulating.
The band - Keith "Bam Bam" Michaels (drums), Alex Barbieri (lead vocals and acoustic guitars), Keith "Diesel" Sinnott (bass) and Scott "Rif" Miller (guitars) - hail from New York. Not sure why Alex doesn't get a nickname, but if anyone has any suggestions I'll be sure to pass them on.
The band's sound recalls what I'd describe as the 2nd tier of 1980's hair metal bands. This isn't Whitesnake, Guns N' Roses, or Motley Crue. This is more Cinderella, Firehouse and Ratt. It's good, be in no doubt, but that final commercial edge is missing. The guys have clearly made this music because they are passionate about the genre and wanted to carry the flame. You've got to respect the authenticity of their efforts.
If nobody told you any different, you really would think this came from 20+ years ago. The production is of the period - i.e. good but imperfect. A lot of modern albums sound so crisp they've clearly been built on computer. Damage Control has a well produced live studio feel that gives it a convincing sleazy poodle-perm sound. Highlights from the album include the menacingly heavy 'All Fall Down', the thoroughly over the top 'I'm Done Lovin' You', the punky 'Radio', and the obviously Kiss-inspired 'I Wanna...!'.
The big power-ballad 'The Light' is a touch disappointing, although final track 'Intoxicated' with it's 'Every Rose Has It's Thorn' Poison vibe redeems romantic matters several notches.
There's nothing exceptional on Damage Control, but Tango Down have produced an album to be proud of regardless. This is a solid collection of hard hitting tracks and, if you love that 1980's rock and metal scene, this is definitely worth checking out. Good stuff.
Check out... The heaviness of parts of the album. I suspect they'll slay live.
Track List:
1. Empty Hole
2. I Can't Wait
3. All Fall Down
4. I'm Done Lovin' You
5. Change
6. Step By Step
7. Radio
8. The Light
9. Waiting For You
10. I Wanna...!
11. Intoxicated
Label: Kivel Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace
