Album Review: Danko Jones - A Rock Supreme

Being 'deep and meaningful' has never been high on Danko Jones’ agenda. Sure, there’s plenty of value in such ideals within rock music – the hard-hitting Canadian trio just realised long ago it isn’t their particular function.

Bursting at the seams with conviction is a priority, though. As punchy opener I'm In A Band reiterates, the key to their straight-ahead success is potent vocal hooks and riff-driven grunt. The results aren't life-changing, and stay within certain parameters. But they're also just sheer fun. Since Rich Knox (drums) joined mainstays Jones (vocals/guitars) and John Calabrese (bass) several years back a greater chemistry has been apparent, and the group has really hit their stride in bashing out infectious hard-rock.

Tales of road life are delivered with no frills, plenty of swagger and zero pretensions, but also more than a little tongue-in-cheek humour. The musical sources of inspiration remain intact, taking cues from Thin Lizzy (That Girl, Lipstick City) and ZZ Top (the downright catchy Dance Dance Dance), not to mention a dash of AC/DC boogie and Van Halen-esque stadium-rock. There's even a nod to their garage-punk origins (You Got Today).

Twenty-plus years on from their formation, these lads ought to be ruling arenas a la their heroes KISS, rather than preaching to the converted in clubs.