There’s an interview knocking round with Danko Jones that sums it up. “I could give you some pat answers as to our writing process, new inspirations, experimental tangents and all of that,” states Danko, “but the truth is that this is yet another serving of peerless hard rock served via bass, drums, guitar and vocals. No frills, just meat and potato music meant to put a satisfying smile on your face, preferably while the windows are rolled down.”
And that’s exactly what “Leo Rising” is: another slab of no-nonsense, windows-down rock n roll from a man who’s been perfecting the formula for a quarter of a century.
Opener “What You Need” immediately sets the tone — ringing guitars, a vocal dripping with attitude, and a hook that doesn’t ask permission before lodging itself in your head. Bollocks to experimentation — Jones still gives you precisely what you need. That’s the whole point.
“Diamond In The Rough” is sleazy and sharp in equal measure, the kind of low-slung strut that makes everything else on the record snap into focus. “Everyday Is Saturday Night” brings unfiltered joy: bright, bouncy and steeped in that trademark Danko grin.
Now the punkier edge shows up in “I Love It Louder” — a proper shoulder-barge of a tune, ragged, wired and built for sweaty rooms. “I’m Going Blind” by contrast leans further into the rock n roll strut, a little looser, a little more melodic.
Then comes “Hot Fox”, which absolutely stomps. Not quite Mick Jagger, but certainly winking at the same swagger, it’s powered by a drumming masterclass from Rich Knox, who plays like he’s trying to unbolt the studio floor. “It’s A Celebration” keeps the party rolling, and “Pretty Stuff” condenses everything brilliant about Jones into three tight, punchy minutes.
“Gotta Let It Go” barrels forward with relentless momentum, and “I Can’t Stop” more than lives up to its name — proof, if any were needed, that he’s one of the only people alive who could make the word skier sound like it belongs in a rock song.
Closer “Too Slick For Love” brings a garage-rock snarl and a final flourish of swagger, polishing the record off exactly the way a Danko album should.
In the spirit of the opener, I could give you some pat review clichés, some stock phrases, some rock-press bullshit — but whatever rock n roll means to you, it means Danko Jones.
And “Leo Rising” is yet another example of him managing it daily for 25 magnificent years.
Rating 9/10
