5 Stars
Despite all the soothsayers of doom, rich man’s plaything, etc., the Dead Daisies keep on producing the goods both from the studio and live on stage. Some 20 musicians can claim to have been a Dead Daisy, including some of the biggest names in rock. Past members include Marco Mendoza, John Corabi, and Dizzy Reed, to reel off just three. But this latest lineup is something else, appearing to be somewhat permanent as well. (As permanent as rock’n’roll gets anyway.)
Main man of the band is David Lowy, who holds the purse strings and holds down the rhythm guitar riffs. Brian Tichy, drummer to the stars, makes a welcome return behind the traps. Doug Aldrich has been the guitar wiz in the band since 2016. Then, as a major coup, Glenn Hughes, the voice of rock, bass guitar maestro, and ex-Deep Purple, was brought in.
It’s Glenn’s second Daisies album, and it’s safe to say he has settled in nicely. Radiance is the Dead Daisies’ sixth studio album and easily their best so far. Plus, it also happens to be the best album Glenn Hughes has appeared on since Black Country Communion’s debut back in 2010.
This beast is as tight as the All Blacks front row. With excellent songwriting (no relying upon cover songs here), the musicianship is superb.
As soon as opener ‘Face Your Fear’ comes out grabbing you by your shirt collar, you cannot help but pay attention. It’s Heavy. It Rocks, It Bounces. Straight away, Glenn Hughes is given free rein to express himself. At 71 years old, that voice just doesn’t change, steady as time. Doug Aldrich shows off his technique to devastating effect. It is no wonder, come what may, the Daisies have hung onto this ace. The combination of drums, bass and rhythm just click, doing exactly what it says on the label, getting down and dirty in the earth.
Second up, ‘Hypnotize Yourself’ kicks in heavily with Glenn Hughes almost showing off, his performance is so powerful. When Doug Aldrich solos, it’s air guitar time. Brian Tichy slams down the hits, whilst David Lowy proves he is no slouch belting out the rhythms.
It’s like being in a ten-round musical boxing match, each round just gives you a battering as songs flash past, leaving you breathless.
The title track is a slow burner based around a repetitive riff over which Glenn Hughes pleads for your attention. ‘Born to Fly’ is the centerpiece, with Glenn Hughes’ performance being a real monster. This is going to be awesome live. Built on a Godzilla of a guitar riff.
On ‘Kiss the Sun,’ it’s impossible to single out any one individual’s performance, as the band bonds and rock it out.
‘Cascades’ does exactly that, while ‘Not Human’ has a magical riff.
The album has ten songs, clocking in at thirty-seven minutes. Feel the quality, never mind the quantity.
In what seemed highly unlikely two years ago, the Dead Daisies may have a classic album to their name. Only time will tell.
Dead Daisies are:
David Lowy – Rhythm Guitar
Doug Aldrich – Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals
Brian Tichy – Drums
Glenn Hughes – Bass Guitar and Lead Vocals
Songs
Radiance
Born To Fly
Kiss the Sun
Courageous
Cascade
Not Human
Roll On
Written by Mott the Dog
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