Contrary to popular belief, there’s nothing wrong with a good ol’ fashioned no frills hard rock album when done right. Now what the term “done right” means varies amongst fans and critics of this hot n’ hairy genre. By my estimation, a hard rock album done right means a cut above the usual copy/paste Zeppelin worship, attempting to create something fresh and exciting out of those classic tropes of yesteryear. And who better to try their hand at such than two dudes who have been doing so for the better part of their musical careers?
As you’ve likely figured out by now, Kunes Clark Band is the latest musical venture of hard rock veterans Rusty Kunes and Angus Clark. Kunes’ career goes back to the ’80s, when he first made waves as the frontman for Savoy Brown Mk. 22 (or whatever iteration the late great Kim Simmonds was on by then). From there, he sang for Cactus, Humble Pie, and even Exciter briefly. As for Clark, well, it would be easier to list who he hasn’t collaborated with. Most notably, he has played guitar for Christmas themed Savatage offshoot Trans-Siberian Orchestra for well over 20 years now. To call these guys professionals would be an understatement.
On their self titled maiden voyage, Kunes and Clark have us under the impression that they got together one afternoon with their guitars, binge listened to the first four Zeppelin albums, and said, “Let’s rock!” From the opening inferno that is “Step Up Step Aside”, we know we’re in for an all killer affair, packed with piping hot vocals, four on the floor drumming, and gnarly riffage cranked up to 11. Sleaze, soul, and swagger collide on cuts like “For My Life” and “Dead of the Night”, conjuring visions of pre-hairspray Whitesnake. I wouldn’t go so far to call them “funky”, but they’ve sure got a beat you can dance to.
“Release Yourself” is as blatant Zeppelin II worship as one could ask for, but manages to hit the spot, as does the happy go lucky “Let It Begin” and Hendrix-esque “Drift”. The latter boasts some subtle psychedelic undertones to the riffs and tonality, making for one of the more dynamic moments of this otherwise straightforward affair. Of course, there are the obligatory acoustic palette cleanses as well in the bluesy “Cross to Bear” and ballad-esque “Free and Homeward Bound”. Having an unplugged number as a closer for an outing of this nature was a bit of a headscratcher for yours truly, but didn’t completely derail what is a mostly high octane listen.
Kunes Clark Band doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it sure keeps it spinning at high speed. This is the sound of two old friends having fun and it shows, as a mere contractual obligation wouldn’t boast nearly as much soulful attitude. I also have to hand it to this dynamic duo for managing to cram an album’s worth of excitement into a breezy 27 minutes. Seriously kids, take note of the self-editing skills. Unless you’re the second coming of Blue Murder, there’s no need for an album of this nature to pass the 40 minute mark, but I digress. Kunes n’ Clark, keep on rockin’ you wild muthas!
7 out of 10
Label: Deko Music
Genre: Hard Rock
For fans of: Led Zeppelin, Whitesnake, Humble Pie