Formed as a side-project to the members’ day-jobs, the Danger Danger related – all three members (Paul Laine – vocals, Rob Marcello – guitars, Bruno Ravel (bass) is or have been a D2 member – The Defiants released their self-titled debut album back in 2016, in my book the best album D2 never made. With AOR-flirting melodic Hard Rock 80’s style, the album was full of memorable and hooky songs and of course, as the record became a bigger success than anyone had anticipated it paved way for a follow-up. Said follow-up, Zokusho, saw the light in 2019 and was a sister-album to the debut. Not as strong but it was by a nose so that a third album would show up was a no-brainer and that record is here now.
The album opens on a rougher and rowdier note than what we’re used to with the guitar driven and fast-tracked single “Hey Life”. The tune holds a punchy and chunky rhythm and some magnificent riffage with a real Hard Rock edge even though the song dwells in Melodic Rock land. There’s a clear pop-vibe included in the vocal-melodies that brings on an AOR-ish touch and the chorus hits right where it should. Very good. Latest single “Go Big Or Go Home” is a damn contagious Melodic Rock pearl with smooth melodies, big hooks and a big late 80’s vibe. It’s a rhythmic pop-rocker with sing-along melodies especially in the effective and highly catchy chorus, a chorus that brings shitloads of hit-potential to the table. Smashing!
Speaking of hit-potential, lend an ear to the album’s leading single “19 Summertime” and you’ll get a big dose of just that. The 80’s are in focus here and this glistening and somewhat glossy rocker brings on an enormous summer-feel and a colorful soundscape. It’s a feelgood fun-loving party-stomper with a live-friendly vibe where the verses are almost as catchy as the massive chorus. If this doesn’t make you smile, seek help. This is brilliant. The uptempo, upbeat and straight-forward pop-rocker “What Are We Waiting” for is straight down D2’s wheelhouse. It’s a bit softer and AOR-laden with lots of 80’s keyboards and glossy outlook but the songs rocks with distinct melodies and another infectious refrain. Very Good.
The first ballad “Miracle” is a classic power ballad – very smooth and slick – but it holds an almost levitating and floating melody-structure and comes with a melancholic atmosphere and a mellow outlook yet still uplifting. There’s some gentle keyboards involved but also some gorgeous guitar-work and a bit of a Def Leppard influence. The chorus is colossal and so embracing – back when it would’ve been all over MTV. Great tune. “Against The Grain” blends classic 80’s Hard Rock with slick AOR. It’s guitar-driven, anthemic and crunchy enough to kick some butt. It do sports some edgy pop-hooks too with a chorus that’s quite irresistible and will work splendidly live if the guys gets back up son stage again.
Another song that could easily have been included on a D2 album is the guitar-driven arena-rocker “So Good”. Rhythmically busy, the tune also holds some smooth melody-lines early 90’s American Arena Rock style. With hooks enough to sell, whoa-whoa vocals and a simply astonishingly catchy refrain, the song is a real winner – and perfect for summer-festivals. Future single? “Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” might have an overused title but this late 80’s sounding, uptempo AOR-rocker delivers good on all places. Despite its title it’s an uplifting albeit somewhat melancholic at times number with an infectious chorus that sticks by first listen. Great stuff.
On a semi-ballad note, the softer “Another Time, Another Place” is a mid-paced and mellow tune carried by chunky beat. It’s a soothing number with a saddening vocal arrangement and a smooth approach. That said, the main melody is distinct and the chorus is memorable without going for a ballad-hit vibe. It’s a comfy tune that feels like a warm blanket on a cold night. Very good indeed. “The Night To Remember” is upbeat in a bigger tempo, it’s uplifting and positive yet with a darker twist and a mellower atmosphere. It’s a throwback to the late 80’s in both sound and structure and the chorus is wonderfully sticky. Good stuff.
The Defiants ends the album with the punchy and sleazy 80’s rocker “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now”. The song holds a faster tempo and a lively rhythm-section with crunchy and kicking guitars where the live-vibes are huge. It’s one of the most Hard Rock structured songs here with a striking main-melody and straight-ahead vocal-melodies and a chorus that grabs a hold right from get-go. I also appreciate that they didn’t go for the “end the record with a ballad” thing that’s quite usual on Melodic Rock albums like this. A splendid closer.
If you’re not a fan of 80’s melodic Hard Rock then don’t bother with this because the 80’s is what this band is all about. Without sounding the least dated, I must add. Even though this album is a bit more guitar-driven and edgy than the other two albums it’s still full of hooky melodies, slick arrangements and smooth choruses. While both Ravel and Marcello are still members of D2 and Laine was their singer for many years, this is not a D2 clone band. Sure there are elements – Ravel is the main song writer for both bands and they’re similar in style – but The Defiants is their own being and for me the better of the two. Although, if all this applies to you, don’t think, just buy because this is a magnificent release that deserves to be in every fan of Melodic Rock’s home.
8/10
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Tracklist:
1. Hey Life
2. Go Big Or Go Home
3. 19 Summertime
4. What Are We Waiting For
5. Miracle
6. Against The Grain
7. So Good
8. Love Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
9. Another Time, Another Place
10. The Night To Remember
11. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now
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