Review of:
Mad Margritt's
"Animal"
Reviewed by: Tawny Khat on January 19, 2009
Tracks:
1. Extreme Osculation
2. Animal
3. Looking In From The Outside
4. Don't Say A Word
5. Loaded Gun
6. I Don't Think I Love You
7. Ruling Me
8. Time
Eddie Smith, vocals
Photographer: Gerri Smith
Used with permission.
Courtesy: Mad Margritt
Mad Margritt's latest CD, released in September 2007, is the aforementioned "Animal". This album is a must for any 80s hair metal aficionado to add to their collection, even though this is not an 80s band. Their music can easily stand alongside any of the best 80s hair bands, or the new glam bands of today. You may have noticed there are only seven tracks ("Extreme Osculation" is a short instrumental along with the sounds of a woman in the throes of ecstasy, reminding us of the debauchery of the 80s). However, I would rather opt for an album with a few quality tracks over one with 16 tracks of pure garbage any day!
"Extreme Osculation" morphs right into the first song, "Animal", and immediately any Mad Margritt fan can tell this album is going to be heavier than their previous offerings. For me, that's a pleasant surprise. This head bangin' tune with its heavy driving beat, courtesy of drummer Danny Belli, has a late 80s/early 90s feel to it, much in line with the Lynch Mob or Skid Row's harder stuff.
After "Animal" rips out your throat, the next track, "Looking In From The Outside" reaches down into your gut and grabs hold with its sleazy, heavy bass lines from Skip Mullis that, along with the drums, drive this song along in a sensual Whitesnake sort of way. Fans will be pumping their fists into the air as they chant along with the chorus, and they'll be cheering loudly 
after Scott Bank's scorching George Lynch-like guitar solo.
The next track, "Don't Say A Word", takes listeners in a different direction. It has a distinct Dokken feel to it. Eddie Smith's vocals really shine on this one. His sound is a bit like Jani Lane, but Eddie has greater range and amazing control! The chorus is catchy, too, making this tune hit material with fans.
Scott Banks, guitars
Photographer: Gerri Smith
Used with permission.
Courtesy: Mad Margritt
My favorite track from this CD comes next, "Loaded Gun". It has an awesome mid tempo driving beat, chunky guitars and wailing vocals, all the perfect recipe for a raunchy, ass kickin' song! At one point, machine gun guitar riffs segue into a very cool guitar solo that puts the icing on this rockin' cake.
Skip Mullis, bass
Photographer: Gerri Smith
Used with permission.
Courtesy: Mad Margritt
The title of the next song, "I Don't Think I Love You", had me convinced it would be a ballad, but to my surprise it turned out to be great rockin' tune with a strong thumpin' beat and an infectious chorus. It has that 80s hit sound that could make it a crossover pop hit as well. Interestingly enough, even though it's not a ballad, the lyrics still have a ballad effect, well on girls at least. ;-)
"Ruling Me", which follows "I Don't Think I Love You", could also be a crossover pop metal hit. It reminds me a bit of White Lion or Nelson, but it has a stronger power ballad sound with its great crunchy guitar riffs. This melodic track has a chorus that's extremely catchy and will stick in your head long after listening to it!
The last track on this killer CD, "Time", has an almost animalistic (no pun intended) and very heavy drum beat, again somewhat reminiscent of Whitesnake. This is the heavi
est song on the album, and a bit of a departure for Mad Margritt, but it's another solid song from a great band.
To buy this fantastic CD or any other Mad Margritt CD, simply go to the band's web site or MySpace page. You can also find it at Target, fye, Best Buy, Virgin stores, Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, Sam Goody, Wherehouse.com, and Borders. Don't forget to also read my interview with Mad Margritt's lead vocalist, Eddie Smith.
Danny Belli, drums
Photographer: Gerri Smith
Used with permission.
Courtesy: Mad Margritt
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