THE CD: Sleep Is The Enemy (Razor & Tie)
PERFORMER: Danko Jones
WEBSITE: dankojones.com, myspace.com/dankojones, sleepistheenemy.com
YOU’LL LIKE IT IF YOU LIKE: Hot and sweaty riff driven rock n’ roll, with a little bit of groove and a little bit of soul.

Danko Jones is a Toronto-based three-piece (singer/guitarist Danko Jones, bassist J.C. and drummer Damon Richardson — since replaced by Dan Cornelius) that has been kicking around since 1996. The band has spent most of that time doing their thing overseas, where they’re much better known than they are here in the United States. (Their current headlining tour has featured sold-out shows in countries like Finland, Sweden, Germany and Austria, to name a few.)

Up until last year, when the band finally got a U.S. record deal, only a small pocket of stateside fans that followed the international rock scene knew about Danko Jones. That started to change when songs like “Lovercall” and “Forget My Name” from “We Sweat Blood” started getting radio airplay. The funny thing is, that CD had been out everywhere else in the world for a couple years already.

So, while we were getting caught up here, Danko fans across the globe were waiting for a new CD. “Sleep Is The Enemy” was released in February (debuting at No. 8 on the Swedish sales charts). Released everywhere except the States, that is. Their label here decided to hold off until May 23, thinking that we’re still getting acquainted with the last disc. Whatever. It’s time to get on the same page with the rest of the globe.

In concert, Danko (the man) is one of the most charismatic and electrifying performers you’ll see on the touring circuit. He hits the stage fired up and then proceeds to get the audience fired up. He feeds off their energy to get even more fired up. The shows become celebrations. That energy and personality translates to the testosterone fueled songs, which are tight and catchy, with a good deal of tongue in cheek wit thrown in. If you’re wondering about influences, AC/DC, Kiss and Thin Lizzy are good reference points.

Listening to the tunes, you get the idea that Mr. Jones is a smooth operator who always makes the right moves with the ladies (”First Date,” “Natural Tan”). But you also find out that he knows what it’s like to be a jilted lover who has had his heart stapled to the wall (”Baby Hates Me,” “Don’t Fall In Love”). He’s addicted to the opposite sex (”She’s Drugs”), and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to attract and win a woman over (”Invisible,” “When Will I See You Again”).

A note about “Invisible,” which might be my favorite song on the CD: guest vocals were provided by John Garcia, the former voice of the dearly departed Kyuss (a band that featured at least a couple guys who would go on to be part of Queens Of The Stone Age). How cool is that? It’s very cool! The song also features one of the most painful lines I’ve heard in awhile. Let’s just say it’s refers to breaking the part of the anatomy that a guy would least want broken. You’ll cringe when you hear it sung.

Occasionally, Danko displays a bit of a mean streak, especially if he feels like he’s been crossed. If you need to get rid of a little built-up aggression, Danko Jones helps you out with “The Finger” (guess which one the song is about) and “Sleep Is The Enemy.”

Knowing that they’ve got a chance to expand the Danko Jones audience, some songs sound like they might have been written with radio airplay in mind. Maybe you’ve already heard “First Date” on the radio. Overall, “Sleep Is The Enemy” is a worthy follow up to “We Sweat Blood.” Not all of the songs on the new CD are as memorable as songs on its predecessor, but it won’t take long for them to become familiar.

If you’re looking for a solid rock record, put down the Nickelback and leave that Godsmack alone. Danko Jones is what you’re seeking. Catch them live if you ever get a chance. (They’re in Cleveland on May 20th.)

– By Ozz

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