You were probably just as surprised as I upon hearing the news that the original headbanging band Krokus was aiming to make a comeback. Switzerland's Krokus attained an admirable following in the 80s alongside similar-sounding bands like AC/DC, Motorhead, Accept, and Nazareth. "Hoodoo" is the first record in 20 years for these classic rock purists.
Krokus picks up pretty much right where they left off - still belting out no thrills guitar rock - they show no signs of age. Marc Storace sings with as much bite as he did back in the day, the gritty texture of his voice perfectly complementing the band's brand of sharp riff rock. As always, Krokus plays with vigor and vitality...it is just a shame that many of the new songs themselves don't do justice to the talents in the band.
Things get started on a high note with the feisty anthem, "Drive It In" - vintage Krokus. Then things get a little pedestrian with the cumbersome first single, "Hoodoo Woman", followed by a lackluster cover of Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild". The autobiographic "Rock and Roll Handshake" is pretty good - it injects some blues into the rock while condensing the history of the band into three and a half minutes. Next up is "Ride Into The Sun", a flat power ballad that comes to soon. Fortunately, "Too Hot" wakes you from your slumber, easily the most infectious and melodic cut on "Hoodoo". Fit for any party, "Too Hot" is an instantly memorable song with a great harmony-filled chorus - I truly wish "Hoodoo" had more tracks like it. The second half of the record kind of blends altogether, with only "Keep Me Rolling" and "Shot Of Love" standing out of the crowd.
Long time fans of Krokus will find a lot to love and get nostalgic about on "Hoodoo". I am not so confident, however, that the band is going to gain a new legion of younger fans with this one. Much like the newest release from their Australian counterparts, AC/DC (reviewed here), Krokus captures a certain magic when they build from a solid memorable hook. Unfortunately on "Hoodoo" they don't do that on many of the tracks.
"Hoodoo" will be released on May 25, 2010.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 4, 6, 9, 10
Krokus on MySpace. Official site.
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Krokus' lead singer Marc Storace will be the guest this week on Icon Fetch. The show will stream 'live' at Blog Talk Radio on Tuesday July 20, 2010 at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/iconfetch. The podcast will be available any time thereafter at http://www.iconfetch.com.
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