THE POODLES – Devil In The Details [Japanese Edition] (2015)

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Melodic Hard Rockers THE POODLES released their 6th album “Devil In The Details” a couple weeks ago being very well received by the press and fans. This is the Japanese Edition featuring the exclusive bonus track “Never Enough”, a worthy melodic tune plenty of swagger. In fact, it’s one of the best tracks on the record.

Following the evolution of the band’s sound evident on the previous CD, The Poodles continued their collaboration with producer Mats Valentin and on “Devil In The Details” they sound bigger than ever.
All in all, The Poodles have had over ten ‘top 10’ singles in Scandinavia so far – which makes them one of Sweden’s most successful Rock bands – and I’m sure this new album won’t be an exception of success.
We already heard the advanced singles “The Greatest” and “House Of Cards”, the first a cool, anthemic midtempo ballad full of magic, while the latter shows a groovy, marching melodic rock feel with a punchy riff and a scorching guitar solo.
Both are good tracks, but the best is yet to come.

Opener “Before I Die” is a terrific Melodic Hard Rocker with pumping verses and a glorious, quasi-epic chorus. The aggressive guitar is softened by orchestrated synths, and the solo is really original. A highlight for me.
After the aforementioned advanced singles, “Crack In The Wall” brings some mysterious and interesting sounds, then on the chorus the melodic magic explodes. It’s a very elaborated, different song and one of the most personal ever created by The Poodles.

“(What The Hell) Baby” adds catchiness and even a bit of modernity, while “Everything” is a little Melodic Rock GEM (akin H.E.A.T) and of course another highlight.
“Stop” is an ok rocker, just a bit generic, but next “Need To Believe” raise the bar again, a slick mid-tempo semi-ballad with a lot of AOR charm and a classy Swedish feel.
“Creator And Breaker” has a punchy commercial refrain, while “Borderline” finds The Poodles adding a poppy smell to the song’s melodic rock skeleton. I’m not completely convinced with the result on this last tack, but at least the band are trying something different.

As said, “Devil In The Details” continues with the evolution of The Poodles’ sound evident on the previous CD, but here is more notorious. And how it sounds The Poodles 2015?
Half of the album is in the trademark Poodle’s fashion full of catchiness, while the other, although still melodic, finds the band exploring new frontiers. Don’t be scared, always on a Melodic Rock foundation.
Some tracks are really elaborated musically speaking, featuring a prominent bass sound to add more groove, but not in the heavy manner, but more power-pop / modern AOR oriented.

“Devil In The Details” is a great record. I like The Poddle’s bravery to explore new sonic territories avoiding the repetitive safe side. Most of the album Rocks, and in a very, compelling melodic way.
Highly Recommended.

【2015年3月25日】 Marquee-Avalon ~ MICP-11214

01. Before I Die
02. House Of Cards
03. The Greatest
04. Crack In The Wall
05. Baby
06. Everything
07. Stop
08. Need To Believe
09. Alive
10. Life Without You
11. Creator And Breaker
12. Borderline
13. Never Enough [Japanese bonus track]

Jakob Samuel – Vocals
Henrik Bergqvist – Guitars
Johan Flodqvist – Bass
Christian Kicken Lundqvist – Drums

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