When a band is on the cusp of greatness; (going from a brilliant main stage performance at Download Festival, a hugely successful supporting slot on an arena tour with one of the UK’s biggest bands, and a superb album by the name “From Death To Destiny” for example…) the last thing you’d expect them to do would be to part ways. But that’s exactly what ASKING ALEXANDRIA did. Front-man Danny Worsnop suddenly uprooted from his vocal duties to concentrate on a brand new project…WE ARE HARLOT. Initially it was believed this was just a side project, but we soon learnt that in fact, this was receiving his 100% commitment, and that AA was no longer his concern. A risky gamble or was it the perfect timing? Let’s find out…
The album opens up with “Dancing On Nails”, which after a brief but exciting build up, reveals itself to be a really slick, dirty rock ‘n’ roll number. It’s sprinkled with simple piano to take the edge off ever so slightly, not unlike TURBONEGRO in places and as a whole is undeniably infectious; a very promising start. This is backed up with similar tracks such as “Denial”, “Love For The Night” and especially “Never Turn Back”, all of which match blow for blow with their blues inspired, gritty, snake-hipped charm…this is rock as It should be; fun and incredibly indulgent. Its clear everyone's enjoying themselves here; it shines through the music, through the playing. Gone are the breakdowns, the crunching riffs of AA and without taking anything away from his former band, honestly, you don’t miss them.
To further hammer that point home, the album also contains the nearest thing that’s ever come to a power ballad in the shape of “Someday”. It’s much softer in delivery and it’s a pleasure to hear this side of Worsnop; it’s very emotive, which can also be said for closing track “I Tried”…we’re talking AEROSMITH level balladry here; a perfect ending. Initially, there were doubters; the departure from the established band to dive right into a complete genre shift was rightly questioned, but it’s more than paid off. This self-titled album should silence any critic and if you take anything from this journey it should be this…always trust your gut instinct. YOU are harlot…WE are glad. [9]
The album opens up with “Dancing On Nails”, which after a brief but exciting build up, reveals itself to be a really slick, dirty rock ‘n’ roll number. It’s sprinkled with simple piano to take the edge off ever so slightly, not unlike TURBONEGRO in places and as a whole is undeniably infectious; a very promising start. This is backed up with similar tracks such as “Denial”, “Love For The Night” and especially “Never Turn Back”, all of which match blow for blow with their blues inspired, gritty, snake-hipped charm…this is rock as It should be; fun and incredibly indulgent. Its clear everyone's enjoying themselves here; it shines through the music, through the playing. Gone are the breakdowns, the crunching riffs of AA and without taking anything away from his former band, honestly, you don’t miss them.
To further hammer that point home, the album also contains the nearest thing that’s ever come to a power ballad in the shape of “Someday”. It’s much softer in delivery and it’s a pleasure to hear this side of Worsnop; it’s very emotive, which can also be said for closing track “I Tried”…we’re talking AEROSMITH level balladry here; a perfect ending. Initially, there were doubters; the departure from the established band to dive right into a complete genre shift was rightly questioned, but it’s more than paid off. This self-titled album should silence any critic and if you take anything from this journey it should be this…always trust your gut instinct. YOU are harlot…WE are glad. [9]
RSS Feed