HINDER – When The Smoke Clears (2015)
*
Of all the ‘modern hard rock’ crap in vogue in America, HINDER are among the most decent acts since appeared in 2005. Along the way and with 4 albums, the band has shared the stage on national tours with everyone from Mötley Crüe and Nickelback to Aerosmith and Papa Roach.
There’s no mystery what you get with these Oklahoma mainstream rockers. Hinder play ‘average Joe’ rock music for average Joes looking to get ripped, show off their fashionable tattoos and hopefully score on the weekends. A scrap or two is optional.
But they are able to craft some good rocking songs, as heard on the band’s fifth full-length album, “When the Smoke Clears” to be released next week.
Outside new vocalist/acoustic guitarist Marshall Dutton replacement of former singer Nolan Neal and of course, Austin Winkler before him, nothing’s really changed in the Hinder camp. Yeah, maybe their hop to new label The End Records.
For Hinder’s purposes, “When the Smoke Clears” is barely different than their preceding albums, though they do try to shake things up a tad with a few ‘mature songs’.
Otherwise, it’s the same game as before, light hard rockers and ballads heavily leaned upon the jilted love theme, i.e. “Nothing Left to Lose” (one of the best tracks), “Rather Hate than Hurt”, “Dead to Me” (adding synths), “Letting Go” and “Foolish Eyes”.
Marshall Dutton turns the tables by vocally seducing a fine little number away from her boyfriend in a one-night-stand on “If Only for Tonight”. Ye-bang.
But my favorite is “Hit The Ground”. If this highly vocal harmonized / riff layered melodic rocker does not bring to your mind Def Leppard, then you’re tone-deaf. And it’s a damn fine song.
Also “Wasted Life” has some of Joe Elliot & Co., this time circa their 2000’s works.
“When the Smoke Clears” is, stated simply, for listeners looking for easy rocking tunes.
Marshall Dutton is a natural fit for the band as he sticks to mid-range, grizzling up only when needed. Mike Rodden’s snappy bass lines are enjoyable enough, Cody Hanson’s always in the pocket with his rhythms, while Joe ‘Blower’ Garvey and Mark King roll their guitar parts agreeably.
Nice and very listenable.
01 – Rather Hate Than Hurt
02 – Hit The Ground
03 – Wasted Life
04 – If Only For Tonight
05 – Intoxicated
06 – Dead To Me
07 – Foolish Eyes
08 – Nothing Left To Lose
09 – Letting Go
10 – I Need Another Drink
Marshal Dutton – lead vocals, acoustic guitar
Joe “Blower” Garvey – lead guitar, backing vocals
Mark King – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Mike Rodden – bass guitar, backing vocals
Cody Hanson – drums and percussion
PRE-ORDER;
www.amazon.com/When-The-Smoke-Clears-Hinder/dp/B00TRQ9NA6
.
