Usually when so-called supergroups form there is a general point of reference or common thread between each participating member that instantly summarizes what to expect. Whether it be the grungy, sleazy rock of Velvet Revolver or the sun-baked psychedelics of Them Crooked Vultures, it rarely requires much imagination to guess what the material will sound like after seeing the roster involved.
This however is where The Damned Things stray from the norm. A motley crew that counts members of thrash legends Anthrax, former emo darlings Fall Out Boy and professional shit disturbers Every Time I Die within their ranks; there really isn’t an easy way to judge this outfit by the cover.
That isn’t saying that it won’t take more than a precusory listen of this outing to see where The Damned Things have their hearts though. If you boil it all down, the album seems to draw from three main elements – the crunchy radio friendly rock of the Foo Fighters, the catchy choruses and admittedly effeminate melodies of Fall Out Boy and a smattering of Thin Lizzy‘s soulful, smoky bar room rock.
It’s a farily loose presentation overall with a lot less guitar heroics than one would expect and a heavy emphasis on band frontman Keith Buckley‘s surprisingly restrained performance. In fact, it is perhaps Buckley‘s somewhat unintentional Dave Grohl impression that is the most surprising thing about The Damned Things.
Large choruses, harmonized ooh’s and ahh’s and little of the vigor that has made him so entertaining with Every Time I Die is present here. Unsurprisingly, the accompanying music tends to follow the same suit. While an occasional barbed riff snags the listeners attention, there’s a general sterility in place that stems directly from the overtly commercial aspirations of the project.
While everyone involved does seem to cut loose on their own now and then, more often than not it feels like Fall Out Boy‘s pedigree is the hidden hand guiding the project along with the rest onboard as hired guns. That said, there are a handful of engaging songs on “Ironiclast” and its lively spirit will surely strike a chord with those who possess less aggressive tastes.
It’s just hard not to feel like the bulk of syrupy choruses and lack of danger will leave most fans of Anthrax and Every Time I Die feel like a mid-thirties hesher at a high school prom.
