Whether the consequence of divine cosmic alignment, supreme jest or a random marketing decision, the arrival of Cheap Trick’s first new album in seven years on April Fools’ Day just seemed so right. Fun’s the name of the game here, with the nerdy godfathers of power-pop in fine fettle as they tear through a collection of catchy treats that, although not their best work, sound infinitely more energised than most new bands on the block. Or a hundred Sam Smiths.
In the intervening years since 2009’s ‘The Latest’, the tricksters have parted ways with beloved drummer Bun E. Carlos, resulting in the recent settling of legal action between the parties. ‘Bang, Zoom, Crazy...Hello!’ is therefore the first release in their history not to feature Carlos, with guitarist Rick Nielsen’s son Daxx assuming his position behind the drum kit. While not possessing the personality of his predecessor, Nielsen Jr is a more than able replacement and makes sure the band don’t, ahem, skip a beat.
For Cheap Trick fans who worship their mix of Chuck Berry rock ‘n’ roll, Beatles melodies, glam flamboyance and punk economy, this high octane record will go down a treat. Those craving the boundary-pushing musical moodswings of their best ‘70s work, however, may be disappointed as these streamlined cuts - while boasting ebullient hooks and sizzling performances - are very formulaic.
Regardless of those qualms, the album’s opening three tracks are as good as anything you’ll hear this year. Heart On The Line’s pumped up rock ‘n’ roll goes straight for the jugular, No Direction Home is a power-pop peach dripping with sugary melodic juices and melancholy treasure Wake Up Tomorrow recalls David Bowie. Other highlights include the Slade-inspired glittery hand-clap party of Blood Red lips, while the mellifluous emoting on Sing My Blues Away is endearingly romantic.
Robin Zander remains a supreme vocal shapeshifter, with his ability to sing in different voices and ranges untouched by father time. From aping the love child of Alice Cooper and Marc Bolan on All Strung Out to regular John Lennon inflections and a stunning performance on Long Time No See You – alternating between gripping ascending lines and clipped robotic-chants while bouncing off the supercharged earworm hook – he’s simply electric.
Nielsen is equally youthful, assaulting his instrument like a teenager rebelling against everything and everyone. The incendiary cool of Roll Me’s spleen-piercing riff typifies his blazing inner fire, while dinosaur-weighted stomp Do You Believe Me finds him not so much playing a guitar solo as attacking his helpless six-string with sharp implements.
Now for the flaws. A cover of Dobie Gray’s R&B classic The In Crowd falls flat, the lyrics lack any classic eccentricities and a few more imaginative arrangements and surprises would have been nice. Pound for pound, it’s better than ‘The Latest’, but doesn’t match either 2006’s ‘Rockford’ or their best ‘70s work.
In spite of those hiccups, there’s enough quality here to ensure that if ‘Bang...’ turns out to be the group’s final flourish, it’s certainly no disgrace to their legacy. And how fitting would it be if the last album of Cheap Trick’s career possessed a title ending in the word ‘Hello’?
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