It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n’ roll. It’s even longer if you’re from down under. My poor attempt at irony aside, today’s featured band hails from the same continent as AC/DC, Rose Tattoo, and The Angels. The similarities end there. Wicked Smile is a brand new band that boasts the talents of singer Danny Cecati (Pegazus, Eyefear) and guitarist Stevie Janevski (The Radio Sun, Black Majesty). Joining them is the rhythm section of bassist Glen Cav and drummer Jason Tyro. Together, these Aussie all-stars specialize in what many would call “hard n heavy”, as evidenced by their debut EP, Delirium.
Delirium opens with the one-two punch of “We Fall” and “Stronger”. “We Fall” is laden with mega heavy riffs, though guided by an extra dose of melody. This formula all comes together on the song’s anthemic chorus. Meanwhile, “Stronger” is a pure metal track and a great one at that. I’ve said for years that while rare, it is possible to make a good modern metal release. Rule 1: Have Andy Sneap produce. If you can’t get Andy Sneap to produce, do everything in your ability to replicate his production style. Behind the boards for Delirium is none other than ex-Danger Danger frontman, Paul Laine. Laine gets an A+ for capturing Wicked Smile’s energy, especially on “Stronger”. This track could easily fit on a modern day Accept or Judas Priest album.
The last two songs are more rooted in the AOR/hard rock vein. “Love’s Got a Hold on You” has a seriously sultry spirit akin to Whitesnake ’87. It’s heavy, but the main focus is on those hooky melodies. Just like the previous tracks, “Love’s Got a Hold on You” features a chorus that’s massive and melodic. “Daze of Delirium” closes out this all too short release. This song sounds like a mixture of many 80s bands, too many to type! Imagine your favorite hard n heavy bands circa 1987 thrown into a delicious headbanger’s stew. That’s what you’re getting a hot bowl of on “Daze”.
I do have one major gripe with Delirium: It’s too damn short! Wicked Smile should be proud they’re able to flex such muscle on a mere 4 song EP. I can only imagine what they can accomplish with a full length album. If you’re one of the naysayers who believes “rock is dead”, kindly shut up and play Delirium at maximum volume. You’ll thank me later.
7 out of 10
Label: Independent
Genre: Heavy Metal/Hard Rock
For fans of: Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Scorpions