If you combined the feeling you got the first time you heard Hanoi, London Quireboys, The Black Crows and wrapped it all up in a glitter bow, you might come close to describing the new release from Diamond Dogs, but even then you would only be scratching the surface of just how freakishly good "Up the Rock" truly is. In short, this Dog's CD is pure pedigree and could take Westminster by a rock and roll storm.
The Diamond Dogs hail from Sörmland, Sweden,and have toured with Hanoi Rocks, the Damned and Nazareth, sold out the football stadium in Benidorm with The Cult and played 21 gigs in the U.K. in 21 days. Needless to say those stats are impressive but based on the steamy, sticky, salacious twelve tracks it is most likely only scratching the surface for this impressive outfit.
Their last cd was critically acclaimed (Black River Road, 2004) but with a new lineup and new producer Thomas Skogsberg (Backyard Babies, The Hellacopters, Entombed), "Up the Rock" is perhaps the most literal of all CD titles, as that is exactly what Diamond Dogs have done--raised the bar, while simultaneously closing it down at 2am.
It's glam, honky tonk with mascara, and pure rock without the artifice that keeps the sound raw. Think of it as Rock and Roll sushi. There isn't a track on Up the Rock that isn't shockwave solid, but stand outs include "Generation Upstart", "Where Are You Tonight", "Come Easy, Come Slow"... and whatever you do? Come to the party that is Diamond Dogs.
5 stars
