Danko Jones - Below the Belt (2010)

Is catchy, loud, humorous rock music your cup of tea? Are you tired of hearing Chad Kroeger sing lifeless sex-innuendo songs like "Something In Your Mouth", wishing that, for the love of god, you could actually hear some good sex-drenched hard rock from the radio? Are you looking for a good time? Are you fond of sex, and if you are, do you like having sex to music? If you answered "yes" to all those questions, Danko Jones is undoubtedly the band for you.

The band have been playing their dirty love/sex-based brand of rock music for almost 15 years already, and as seen on Below The Belt, they aren't going to change nor let up any time soon. In fact, Below The Belt is one of this year's biggest surprises, featuring a very strong collection of modern rock songs with a sprinkle of retro to them. The band have dropped the (very) minor punk influence they had on two previous records, Sleep Is The Enemy and Never Too Loud, and have once again (like in the past) aimed for a more heavy, balls-out rock 'n' roll sound, which obviously isn’t a bad thing as it’s what Danko Jones do best – sleazy rock music for people who like having fun.

Danko Jones somehow have the ability to sound fresh and interesting on every record they make, and Below The Belt is no exception. Yes, the riffs are simple, the chord progressions minor, and the rest of the band is entirely dependant on leadman Danko’s swagger, vocals and fronting abilities, but none of it matters because of one concrete reason – these guys simply rock. "Entirely addictive" is the best description one could ever give to them. Much like AC/DC 30 years ago, Danko Jones have found a comfortable niche for themselves and in that cosy corner of theirs, they are absolute kings.

Blending the sounds of old and new, Danko Jones have crafted another loud and fun rock record. Kicking up both the tempo and aggresiveness, Below The Belt is more than a welcome addition to Danko Jones’ discography; it is also quite possibly the best straightforward rock record of the year so far. With a strong sexual meaning behind the lyrics and a fun, catchy, yet relentless sound, Below The Belt is either the perfect road album, the perfect radio album, or the perfect album to make love to if you’re too lazy to do the dirty talk yourself.