ENUFF Z’NUFF (Jake E. Lee on guitar) – Dissonance [Rock Candy Records reissue +2] *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

Chip Z’Nuff says that ‘when the going gets tough the tough get going’. It’s an old adage that could be applied to numerous rock bands who refuse to die, but for ENUFF Z’NUFF it’s become, more or less, a battle code. In fact it’s a maxim that they’ve lived by since day one of their inception. After several years in the dark, Donnie Vie rejoined the band in 2007, and the essential E Z’N songwriting team, Chip and Donnie, were back together.
Their comeback album “Dissonance” was originally released by themselves listing nine tracks, then only available in Japan with 2 extras, and finally re-released by Rock Candy Records with additional bonus, previously unreleased tracks from the same sessions – listing a total of 13 tracks. This Rock Candy release is currently out of print.
Oh, and the lead guitarist on the entire album is the great Jake E. Lee!

Longtime faithful guitarist / live singer Johnny Monaco left the band years before, and Jake E Lee, known from Ozzy Osbourne and Badlands was credited as guitarist on the record, while Vinnie Castaldo joined as the new drummer after Ricky (R.I.P.) passed away in 2007.

“Dissonance” is a record full of all things sugar and spice with a sound and swagger that continues in the finest EZN tradition of sharp riffs and melodies to die for. The great thing about core duo Donnie Vie and Chip Z’Nuff is that they instinctively know how to inject both the maximum amount of muscle into every riff and squeeze the best out of every chorus.
And Jake E Lee adds some craziness with the guitar solos.

If you don’t believe it then plug-in and play tracks such as the title song “Dissonance”, a typical catchy Z’Nuff melody. “Fine Line” is another highlight with a lot to discover. Details are hidden in both guitar and bass while Donnie’s singing is engaging in a open, right in your face kind of way.
“Lazy Dazy” has a fantastic Beatles-go-melodic-rock mid-section, an influence that has always been an important element in the band.

One of the favorites is the beautiful ballad “Rollaway”. The opening is pure Enuff Z’nuff with Donnie singing in a soft voice filled with soul and feeling. The melody is memorable and many small touches enhances the song. I can’t help but smile every single time I hear a particular rhyme this song offers. Relaxed and utterly charming is what this song is.

“Altered States” has a positive vibe, a feel good song. This track is a closely related brother to ‘All Right’ from the ’10’ album. Both rhythm and vibe has similarities. Great tune. “Playground” begins with a fun kind of Batman meets Blues Brothers vibe. Fun is the keyword here and the song gets better and better with each listen, the layered chorus being a superb highlight.

Several songs deal with what has happened with the musicians in the last years, in particular the moving “Joni Lynn” where the wound from Donnie’s failed marriage is torn open and bared to all. The song develops with many listens and has a haunting staying power that makes it unforgettable.
Chip’s bass work stands out as brilliant, love Jake Lee’s solos, and Donnie’s singing is filled with emotion in what may be one of his finest moments ever. The song is expressed with heart and soul in a way that feels real and it reaches a pinnacle near the end with added harmonies bringing an extra punch.

As the city, “Chicago” oozes with atmosphere. The song has a slightly different production than the rest and Chip also sings lead vocals on it. It works very well as he gives the song the perfect vibe. Cool guitar work by Lee too.
The previously unreleased Studio Outtake “Code Red” rocks with its simple melody, while the other new track gives you a trip back to the very first band’s album.

“Dissonance” is the exact opposite of what this album brings. Enuff Z’Nuff is back with an album that is real aural bliss. The music is still undeniably Enuff Z’Nuff’s special brand of Melodic Rock with Donnie’s voice, the unforgettable melodies and the Beatles influence in place.
The album also moves forward as the songs have a fresh mature feel to them. It feels like a new leaf has been turned over. This is music that makes you feel something and it stays interesting due to strong songwriting.
Like the very best Enuff Z’Nuff albums, “Dissonance” has moments and songs which cross that magical borderline where they touch something deep within and wrap you up in a sea of chills.
Highly Recommended

01 – Dissonance
02 – Fine Line
03 – Lazy Dazy
04 – Rollaway
05 – High
06 – Altered States
07 – Playground
08 – Sometimes (Japanese Bonus Track)
09 – Joni Lynn
10 – Chicago
11 – Code Red (previously unreleased studio outtake)
12 – When Doves Cry (Japanese Bonus Track)
13 – Run For Your Life (previously unreleased studio outtake)

Donnie Vie – Vocals, Guitar, Piano
Chip Z’Nuff – Vocals, Bass, Keyboards
Jake E Lee – Guitars
Vinnie Castaldo – Drums

Out of print
www.amazon.co.uk/Dissonance-Enuff-ZNuff/dp/B003MX3JTQ