HURTSMILE (Gary Cherone) – Retrogrenade [Japanese edition +1]

Former Van Halen / Extreme singer Gary Cherone’s band HURTSMILE returned in full force with their second album, “Retrogranade“, in this Japanese edition including a bonus track.
Following up their 2011 self-titled debut, on this album the band pays homage to almost every Rock genre Cherone has presented in the past and still finds room to give you something new.

The first thing that impresses with opener “Rock & Roll Cliche” is the crisp and punchy production sound.
It’s a hot hard rocker recalling Extreme driven by a muscular riff and the unique vocal style of Gary Cherone (which sings as good as ever).

Gary’s brother Mark Cherone surprise with a terrific guitar set up sound and a solo that has nothing to envy Nuno Bettencourt’s chops. Joe Pessia (Dramagods) on bass, and Dana Spellman (student of Mike Mangini) on drums sound really cohesive and confident in their performances are tight and rocking.
As on the opener, another highlight is “Big Government”, rocking with a strong Extreme vibe circa ‘III Sides’. Not surprisingly, the brilliant mixing / mastering on “Retrogranade” is done by Bob St John who produced Extreme’s ‘III Sides’ and ‘Punchline’.

But as said, “Retrogrenade” is a very eclectic mix of music which turns it even more interesting.
“Hello I Must Be Going” go for a classic rock feeling, “I Still Do” is a fantastic midtempo acoustically filled number with some Mr. Big on it, there’s killer funky bass lines in “Pump It Up”, and a bluesy charm fuels the nice groove and stunning bridge riff of “Anymore”

Exteme-like melodic ballad “Sing A Song (My Mia)” is another great tune, while “Where Do We Go From Here” adds Hammond organs to its classic rock foundation (superb lead vocals here) resulting in a compelling composition.
Do you liked Cherone’s work with Van Halen? The groovy “Walk Away” and the fast hard rocker “Wonder What” will please you in spades.

This Japanese edition has the bonus track “Over There” which is an American war propaganda song written in 1917 and it’s a fun rocking re-work in the hands of Hurtsmile.

You’ll be surprised bit the quality of Hurtsmile’s second effort “Retrogrenade”.
Great songwriting, excellent musicianship, Gary on top form on leads and a fantastic production. Seriously, “Retrogrenade” sounds million bucks.
If you like (and miss) Extreme’s III Sides to Every Story, Mr. Big or Tesla you must have this CD. But let’s go further, if you like your hard rock crafted around solid melodies, tight musicianship and served with a crisp sound, “Retrogrenade” is a mandatory listening.
AWESOME RECORD

Victor Japan VICP ~ 65232

01 – Rock & Roll Cliche
02 – Hello I Must Be Going
03 – Big Government
04 – I Still Do
05 – Sing A Song (My Mia)
06 – Anymore (Don’t Want My Love)
07 – Where Do We Go From Here
08 – A Melody For You
09 – Wonder What
10 – Walk Away
11 – Good Bye
12 – Pump it Up
13 – Over There (Japanese bonus track)

Gary Cherone – vocals
Mark Cherone – guitar
Joe Pessia – bass
Dana Spellman – drums

BUY IT
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/VICP-65232
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