First Posted: 3/5/2013
Buckcherry seems like a band that is behind the times. With high-energy songs about partying and girls and a classic-rock vibe delivered from animated frontman Josh Todd, one might think this group is straight out of the ’80s. On the band’s new album, “Confessions,” the listener can expect the aforementioned Buckcherry characteristics, but at the same time, they deserve a great deal of credit for compiling a thoughtful concept album.
Todd emotionally opens up on the 13-track release, using his past sins as a gateway. The first single, “Gluttony,” has been a hit on modern-rock stations recently. The short-and-sweet chorus of “I want it” and “I need it” makes it a great way to start a live show, but it also sets the stage of Todd’s life analysis throughout the disc.
“Greed” is actually an exact complement to “Gluttony,” where Todd belts out lyrics, “Consequences don’t f—king matter / Greed is here so everyone’s going mad.”
“Envy” finds the singer lamenting his obsession with someone else’s woman, while “Lust” is just a hard, foot-stomping tune towards the end of the album that is exactly what the title says.
While these songs play into the stereotypical instincts of a Buckcherry record, they also address the consequences that come with that.
“Wrath” is a bluesy, mid-tempo rock song with some heart-wrenching lyrics. “The Truth” is potentially the album’s big ballad single where Todd sings honestly about a loved one who has seen him go through tough times.
The back end of the album is where the band really hits its stride, beginning with the toe-tapping and anthem-like “Seven Ways to Die;’ the driving rocker “Air;” the album’s most theatrical track “Sloth,” complete with call-and-response guitar play from Keith Nelson and Stevie D.; and Todd’s preacher-like reflection on ‘Pride.’ It all culminates with the acoustic ballad “Dreamin’ of You,” which wraps up this disc on a positive high note.
This collection of songs from Buckcherry will still get your heart racing, but this time, they dug a bit deeper to give the listener something a bit different.
Buckcherry ‘Confessions’ Rating: W W W V
