|
 |
The DonnasGold Medal Atlantic/Warner It looks like our Donnas have all grown up. They've dropped their "Donna" monikers and reverted back to the names their mothers gave them, brought in Chris Lord-Alge for mixing duties and tempered their (ahem) balls-to-the-wall style of rocking out. 'Gold Medal' is the most considered album we've yet heard from them. Don't fret: this doesn't mean they've turned into the Travelling Wilburys. They've simply honed their craft (and if that don't sound grown up nothing does) and have starting playing with the textures of the songs they write. Fortunately the songs they write still contain insanely catchy melodies, choruses that stay in your head for weeks, a penchant for handclaps and guitar lines that bring to mind Guns'N'Roses at the top of their game. It will probably take a few spins before it really gets under your skin (oh, but it will) but tracks like opener I Don't Want To Know (If You Don't Want Me) and Is That All You Got For Me forge new ground while remaining recognisable as The Donnas. If you prefer your Donnas with a dash of rock, ripping first single Fall Behind Me (if you grab the enhanced CD, the Seventies-style video is included and needs to be seen!) and Don't Break Me Down will more than satisfy. The highlight is the title track, an acoustic romp that's as beautifully executed as it is surprising, and in a fair world would see some long overdue commercial airplay for the band. It Takes One To Know One is also a typically sassy piece of Donna-rock, while again showing off their more considered approach. This is the album The Donnas had to make, but could easily have been a hiccup in their burgeoning career. As it is they've proved they have enough musical smarts to be more than just a damn fine garage band. 'Gold Medal' proves The Donnas are simply a damn fine band.  |
|
The latest issue available now!     |
All content copyright dB Magazine