It has already been two years since DAN DRYERS released their debut album, which I also reviewed on ramtatta.de. This review can be read here for those who are interested:
http://www.ramtatta.de/reviews,id-755,go-dan+dryers+_+wrestling+in+tijuana.html
Now album number two is ready to go and has a very cool title with “Bar Fights and Drunken Nights.” The cover may look more like a Village People knockoff, but at least it fits the title with its wounds.
The debut album was rated only moderately by us, so let's see what the guys have learned.
The band is still touring with three guitars. However, the lead guitar and drums on this album come from new people. They earned their stripes at Heartbreak Motel and are now in a combo with the extreme sportsmen who form the core of the band. Upon first listen, you can tell that the band is more melodic than on the first album. There also seems to be a certain red thread running through the album, which earns points as well. The band's style is now also more established. It’s a mix of kick-ass punk rock, a pinch of grunge, a touch of garage, some hard rock, and a handful of Motörhead and Monster Magnet powder. This is a blend that comes across very pleasingly and is catchy. It definitely rocks more! The melodies are more refined and it has more guts. It simply feels more down-to-earth, grounded, and honest what the guys have produced. More club than arena stage. I think “It has guts” fits best here. I hope the female readers will excuse this instead of getting upset. I’ll gladly touch on your body parts in the next review.
Highlights on the album include the driving “Bike Ride,” the solidly rocking “Bar Fights & Drunken Nights,” and the dirty rock song “99th Floor.”
There are also some quieter pieces on the album that the band delivers well.
Overall, the album gives a solid impression. It’s like practicing in the halfpipe for the 30th time and then the story has a certain routine. But that doesn’t mean the band sounds boring. It’s more the experience of the last two years and certainly the influence of Markus Frevel and Fre from Heartbreak Motel that leaves its mark here.
By the way, there’s a very nice button glued into the cover. I’ve never seen that before. Congratulations on the cool idea.
