I know, I know, just ignore the name and listen to some of the best melodic hard rock around. These dudes kick ass.The Poodles are one of those bands that seem to get stronger with each release. Starting out as a glam band, the group has developed into a solid melodic hard rock machine. The Poodles are entering into their 5th year of existence, and have just release their 4th studio record Performocracy. The first couple of CD's, by this band, were a little sketchy, but over time the band has honed their sound and now they are a force to be reckoned with.
As you can imagine, The Poodles are a product of the 80's hard rock sound. The band leans towards the pop metal sound that ruled the airwaves, back in the day, but without sounding dated. The songs on this new release are melodic, catchy and full of great hooks. The band does not pigeon hold themselves by sounding like a replication of an 80's band, because they do offer some modern elements, like on the track I Want it All. It is a mid-tempo modern rocker, with a catchy chorus. The following track, Until Our Kingdom Falls, truly sets the mood of the CD and prepares the listener for a hard rock feast. I believe that this could be the heaviest record the band has done so far. It is apparent on the track I Believe in You, which has one nasty ass groove to it. This CD has it all rockers and ballads. A solid effort from the lads.
Bottom Line: Solid hard rock by a band that gets better with each release. This one will definitely be one of the top melodic hard rock releases of 2011. If you're looking for solid hard rock with some ripping guitar, then you have found your group. Check this one out.
Standout Tracks: Until Our Kingdom Falls, Bring Back the Night, I Believe In You and Vampire's Call
- Ragman thinks it's refreshing that a band with so much potential has made a turn for the better...