If you wax poetic about the days of Cozy Powell, Scott Gorham and weekly MTV runs of Riki Rachtman introducing you to the latest rock and metal bands, then you will think Christmas has come early this year upon listening to the latest offering from TK-421.
"Disengaged" may be the cd's title but it certainly isn't the band's approach, as you can definitely tell the band is honing in on their creative direction after their very impressive debut "Hollow". Comprised of Chuck Johnson on lead vocals, Troy Winemiller on guitar, Steve Layne on bass and Bill Schlueter on drums, TK421 formed in Virginia just over six years ago. Like many before them, TK421 was the result of an earlier project that was shelved for what would become a new identity and sound. Based on what is coming out of their production studios, one would have to say they made the right choice.
Overall the tracks on "Disengaged" are more mature, but they still haven't lost their long hair, black eyeliner and bring your own lighter feel. The cd starts off with a bang, literally, as the first three tracks are all about stadium rock swagger but just like any concert, the show gets better when the band begins to truly find their groove and settles into the show, no longer trying to impress the audience as quickly as possible, but instead letting the songs mapquest their own direction. "Bed of Stone" is a bon-jovi-esque ballad that transcends the usual fodder by showcasing lead singer, Chuck Johnson's lyrical gymnastics and vocal gift; but what it truly serves is as a fork in the road for the mood of the cd to change and strut out songs that transcend your usual hard rock fodder. A classic example is track number 8 (if you want to head straight for the foreplay, skip to that track first and enjoy the rest afterwards with a cigarette and a drink) entitled “Open My Eyes”. Languid in its structure, TK421 has managed to do in this one song what some bands miss for a lifetime. Lyrically it’s as close to Lord Byron as Rock and Roll is going to get and musically it highlights the collective talents of each member individually and with a steady purpose. The song seems to be taking you and the band where it both should be and in a word that place appears to be euphoria.
“Saved” and “Rebel” cap off the CD with a harder feel but without losing depth--the band knows not to go too deep; you can still expect a gut wrenching guitar solo from Troy and the marriage between Steve and Bill is rock solid. While Bill favors triplets and quads and can execute them flawlessly, he knows when to stay in the pocket and is at his best when he is probably feeling like he is holding back. Layne’s bass is a thunderous reminder that when a bass player finds a groove, staying there and exploring all of the differing levels can be quite satisfying. It’s crunchy, thick, juicy and succulent... just like you ordered. Unfortunately, there are a few occasions when Winemiller’s talents get buried a bit in the production, but when his guitar solos are given the spotlight, the feel is melodic, passionate and lingering. He knows how to play with warmth and doesn’t fill with needless arpeggios and wailing scales, but instead gives a steady aural backdrop to every song.
All the great music in the world does not a song make and this is where Chuck Johnson enters center stage. Vocally, his range is broad and impressive. He can conjure up Ralph Stanley or a pre-blonde highlighted Coverdale but what he can truly be counted on for is delivery on a dime. Lyrically, his turn of a phrase makes you feel just like he may have, when he first penned the lyrics and in that accomplishment Johnson is in a very small class by himself. Sometimes you may not want to go where he’s emotionally been but he’ll take you there anyway and the vocal "land of oz" you find yourself in is a rich and vibrant tapestry. So, follow the wizard - behind the curtain is a great rock band.
