After 16 years, "The Gang's All Here" sees Skid Row completely reinvigorated. It is like the stars have aligned for Skid Row again. The chemistry is there, and the band is full of piss and vinegar. They have found their way back home. It sounds like they are a completely new band just releasing their first album.
Their new singer, Erik Grönwall, is part of the magic and is simply amazing. He hails from Sweden and fronted the Swedish band H.E.A.T. Also, he won the Swedish Idol reality tv show in 2009. When he auditioned for the show, he played "18 and Life." Little did he know that he would eventually be fronting the very band who authored the song. Check out the bonus video of this audition at the end of this review.
Without wasting anytime the album opens up with a ballsy all out rocker, "Hell or High Water." Classic bluesy, 80s style riffs with a momentous chorus and bitchin' mid-section. A spectacular opener for the record.
The title track, "The Gangs All Here," is a groovin', kick-ass boogie with a slithering bass line. Great arrangements that get your fist pumping and singing along with a great chorus.
"Not Dead Yet" has a speedy rock riff that includes some slide guitars and keeps the energy of the album moving. "Time Bomb" has a 70sish vibe with some classic guitar riffs reminiscent of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest with a luscious chorus that rocks.
"Resurrected" is a fast-paced one, two, punch with attitude and swagger. "Nowhere Fast" has an urgent and frantic feeling. "When the Lights Come On" is a classic sleaze rocker with lascivious bass lines and wanton drumming. "Tear it Down" is a fun rocker that will tear the roof off of any joint.
"October Song" is the longest song on the album, just over seven minutes. It is a dark and pensive epic ballad about loss and rebirth. Erik Grönwall's vocal shine with a potent cold soberness to them. Somber guitar arpeggios give the song a misty feeling while the bass has a somewhat shadowy melody but yet sounds hopeful and radiant. "Worlds on Fire" is a heavy rocker that picks the pace back up and closes out the album.
Overall, "The Gang's All Here" is a stellar album full of powerful metal escapism. The chemistry between all the band members is off the charts and Erik Grönwall brings it all together as part of the mix.
If you are still on the fence saying that Skid Row's years are behind them and that the albums with Sebastian Bach are the only ones that really matter, give this one a try. You will be surprised and rocking out with the rest of us when listening to "The Gang's All Here."
Band
- Erik Grönwall – lead vocals
- Dave Sabo – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Scotti Hill – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals
- Rachel Bolan – bass, backing vocals
- Rob Hammersmith – drums, backing vocals
Produced by Nick Raskulinecz
Bonus
Video clip of Erik Grönwall singing "18 and Life" for his Swedish Idol audition.
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