DON BROCO.
Thug Workout. (2008).
This is a three track disk with an art deco design on the disc itself in a plastic wallet and is the new band from the well remembered ashes of Club Sex (and Summerfall before that). No line-up changes but a move forward in direction of progressive style.
Don Broco seem to have been doing this style of music long before it got mainstream, so you couldnt accuse them of jumping on any bandwagon, they just do what they want to do and do it well!! Im not sure if they regard themselves as the same band with a different name or a different outfit altogether they are the same line-up of friends as when they started (while at school together), they were good then and are damn good now, so any progressive changes hasnt detracted from them being a highly regarded band, easily picking up new fans replacing any that have dropped off from seeing them over the years. The Thug Workout C.D. could make you hesitant before listening, just in case they are too far removed from the brilliant band they were and changed to a direction that you dont really recognisably enjoy, fortunately wow there just as great!
Theres an angelic acoustic intro to Watcha Gonna Do? which then bursts like a rampaging bull with everyone singing on different pitches, which if done badly could easily not work, but they easily carry it off, there is such a huge difference of singing intensities employed wider than the human evolutionary scale, angelically mild to outright gruff screams, all coming over as appreciatively melodic, choppy guitars and slight rappy overtones, especially in the effective understated drum taps.
On to the title track now Thug Workout, I love the way the song gets straight on with it, bursting in and dovetailing so well from the previous track to this. Absolutely love the manic ass on fire vocals, like a demented tortured banshee, - you really have to listen to hear how effectively brilliant it sounds! The guitars seem to have an experimental sound, as opposed to ego tripping guitar riffs.
Yet again the next song Danny Boy bleeds seamlessly into the next, its a fast singing gymnasium of vocal activity, speed and clarity. I think a lot of lesser bands could easily copy this style of music and make a complete hash of it. Here it all comes together so well and one of the most interest capturing sounds from any band around at the moment. I am however left at times craving for more from the guitar work, replacing choppy licks with a bit more of a rip roaring galloping hook which seems lacking in some areas.
Theres a vocal orientated singing area turning into some reflective acoustic and sound effective low paced section, adding a time change while keeping the interest flowing. You would easily fail totally to be uninterested by listening to this 3 track Don Broco disk. Oh and there fantastic live also!!
Don Broco are: Rob - Lead vocals.
Simon guitar/vocals.
Luke - Bass/vocals.
Matt - Drums/vocals.
Keith. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk.co.uk