Album Review: Tenacious D - Rize Of The Fenix

When poorly executed, comedic musical acts can be downright cringeworthy. On the flipside, when done well they can engage and entertain the masses with side-splitting satire and, on occasions, lyrical lewdness. Only a select few do it well enough to sell records and earn a crust from their art. Tenacious D thankfully fall in the latter category.

Perennial power sliders and curators of the cock push-up, the 'D are back and firing with their third offering, Rize Of The Fenix, which features the return of Dave Grohl on skin duties. Those well versed in all things Tenacious will know that these guys are no industry hacks riding on Black's Hollywood success. Kyle “Rage Kage” Gass possesses exceptional classically-trained lead chops that defy his beer-gutted-scone-balding-couch-potato exterior. While Hollywood hero and all round fungi (like a mushroom) Jack “Jables” Black rocks socks off with his jumpin' jack energy and juicy falsetto.

The title track kicks off with its three-sectioned-three-songs-for-the-price-of-one composition, commencing with traditional acoustic 'D, followed by galloping-riffed '80s hair 'D and concluding in reflective and heart-wrenching 'D. The pedal-to-the-metal riffery of Low Hangin' Fruit features JB's crazy warbling “Rip-snort and a flip-florp fiddly-fjorp”, and the duo's preference for non-designer darlins', as JB proclaims “Me and Kage are horny/We're lookin' for a snack/Lookin' for a plump one/With a tasty crack”. Assuming the role of a sexed-up Spanish guitar teacher in an attempt to shake Rage Kage's musical foundations on the hilarious Guitar Teacher skit, JB is in fine vocal and comedic form across the 13 tracks. The Ballad Of Hollywood Jack & The Rage Kage, 39 and They Fucked Our Asses are other highlights on a rich third release.

The 'D have rizen again!