THE SADE (Damned Love) CD
The time has come to kick out the jams - this time with the help of Italy's THE SADE. If one looks at the line-up of THE SADE, then the musical preferences are no real surprise because this power trio was founded by OJM guitarist Andrew Pozzy and that band has worked together with MC5 bassplayer Michael Davis (R.I.P.) in the past - thus completing the circle. In contrast to OJM, THE SADE is much closer to that kind of high energy rock 'n' roll that was born in Detroit in the late 1960's.
Although there are a few tracks on this album that move in another direction, 'Damned Love' is jam-packed with influences from Iggy And The Stooges, MC5, Sonic's Rendezvous Band and Radio Birdman. Yeah, I know they are from Australia but co-founder Deniz Tek comes from Detroit. So, THE SADE show their roots and they show them full on. This is All-American red hot rock with the blood from almost each cut oozing all over the plate. Those who know me well also know that I have a very soft spot for that kind of music, or more accurately put: I worship old Detroit rock. That is why THE SADE kicks at open doors with me.
But 'Damned Love' is also pretty heavy what gives the songs additional power. There are plenty of hook-driven cuts with a strong rhythmic punch. Therefore, it doesn't matter that Andrew Pozzy's vocals are the weakest link in the chain. He's definitely not the most gifted singer on this planet, but on the other he doesn't ruin the album. At the end of the day, THE SADE won't change the face of rock 'n' roll, but that is of course not their intention. But in my view they have recorded a very good debut which might be of interest for fans of the above mentioned bands. I like it a lot.
(KK)