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Kiss
Sonic Boom
(Kiss Records/
Universal Music)
As a self-proclaimed ‘Kiss Tard’ (a painfully unrealistic Kiss apologist), I’ve spent the vast majority of my childhood and adult life closely following the group’s various incarnations and exploits. Despite a general lack of consistency (or, for that matter, line-up stability), my affections for the group’s often metamorphosing styles continued unabated well into the early ‘90’s. Ultimately, however, two seemingly unavoidable questions arose: would the group ever again release a collection of legitimate post-Psycho Circus material and if so, were Stanley and Simmons capable of recapturing the fractured magic of yore without the irreplaceable assistance of Messrs. Frehley and Criss? Fortunately for all parties involved, these questions have at long last been answered with the curiously long-overdue release of the legendary group’s nineteenth studio ‘…deviation…’ Sonic Boom.
On the stellar Sonic Boom (2009), an expertly assembled eleven song collection of deftly executed Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, each track, beginning with the rollicking first single “Modern Day Delilah”, and the self-explanatory modus operandi “Never Enough”, instantly commands the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of listeners, myself most definitely included. Brazenly emerging from a woefully prolonged era marked--or marred, depending on whom you ask--by the issuance of several quasi-regurgitated Greatest Hits and live packages (with the overhyped Kissology DVD series, 2001’s rarity-laden The Box Set and 2003’s Kiss Symphony: Alive IV all serving as idealistic examples), the group immediately goes for the jugular, effectively reminding us all of their predictably unquenchable penchant for all things bombastic.
Continuing with the clichéd, formulaic--albeit highly effective--“Yes I Know (Nobody’s Perfect)”, and the maddeningly infectious “Hot And Cold”, the arguably rejuvenated combination of vocalist/guitarist Paul Stanley, bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons, guitarist/vocalist Tommy Thayer (ex-Black ‘n’ Blue) and drummer/vocalist Eric Singer (Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath and Lita Ford, among others) steamrolls ahead with what can only be described as a carefully calculated pace. Driving home each ‘…key focal point…’ with a refreshingly forthright fervor, the group wastes little--if any--time reestablishing themselves as a bona fide creative and commercial force not to be ignored. Undoubtedly pandering to both die-hard completists and clueless newcomers alike, the group boldly intertwines each airtight composition with a truly spirited efficiency.
Co-produced and engineered by Stanley and the acclaimed Greg Collins (Gwen Stefani, Matchbox 20 and U2, to name only a few) at Hollywood, California-based Conway Recording Studios, other standouts, including the relentlessly pummeling “Danger Us”, and the equally impressive, Thayer-led “When Lightning Strikes”, offer both new and established listeners alike the highly-anticipated opportunity to vicariously partake in the group’s latest resurgence. Easily surpassing 1998’s poorly-received reunion attempt, the majority--if not all--of the material contained herein wisely evokes the group’s proverbial heyday (most notably 1976’s stunning Rock And Roll Over) without entirely abandoning the über slick tonality that personified much of the their finer ‘…later-day…’ efforts (i.e. 1984’s Animalize, 1987’s Crazy Nights and perhaps even ‘92’s ingenious Revenge).
Still waiting for the ‘real’ Ace and Peter to come back? Sorry folks, as previously discussed, it ain’tfreakin’ happening. However, even if you do somehow find yourself less than enthralled with the iconic quartet’s latest ‘…scab…’-fueled incarnation, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the fiscally-motivated group’s continued ability to persevere despite the most astronomical of odds. Despite the unavoidable presence of repeated line-up changes and inner-label turmoil, the oft-cartoonish foursome remains wholeheartedly dedicated to perfecting their already carefully-honed craft. As a result, if you have yet again found yourself in search of a bona fide Classic Rock fix that doesn’t involve blindly embracing your local Oldies station, then this, my friends, might just be the greasepaint-caked cure for whatever ails you. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Select Discography
Sonic Boom (2009) *****
Ikons (2008) *
Jigoku-Retsuden (2008) *****
Kissology, Vol. 3 (DVD) (2007) ****
Kissology, Vol. 2 (DVD) (2007) */**/***/****
Kissology (DVD) (2006) *
Kiss Symphony: Alive IV (2003) *****
The Box Set (2001) */**/***/****
Psycho Circus (1998) *
Carnival Of Souls (1997) ****
You Wanted The Best, You Got The Best (1996) *
MTV Unplugged (1996) */****
Alive III (1993) ****
Revenge (1992) ****
Hot In The Shade (1989) ****
Smashes, Thrashes & Hits (1988) ****
Crazy Nights (1987) ****
Asylum (1985) ****
Animalize (1984) ***
Lick It Up (1983) **
Creatures Of The Night (1982) **
(Music From) The Elder (1981) *
Unmasked (1980) *
Dynasty (1979) *
Double Platinum (1978) *
Alive II (1978) *
Love Gun (1977) *
Rock And Roll Over (1976) *
Destroyer (1976) *
Alive! (1975) *
Dressed To Kill (1975) *
Hotter Than Hell (1974) *
Kiss (1974) *
* features guitarist Ace Frehley
** features guitarist Vinnie Vincent
*** features guitarist Mark St. John
**** features guitarist Bruce Kulick
***** features guitarist Tommy Thayer