US rockers Tango Down follow up their acclaimed ass-kicking Identity Crisis record in quick fashion with the new album Charming Devil, featuring the same lineup, fronted by vocalist David Reece and riff man Scott Miller.
It’s a case of more of the same from the band here – ass kicking, high energy, American melodic hard rock, with harmonies throughout and plenty of riffing for the guitar-heads out there.
David Reece sounds in great voice here – it’s another polished performance from the veteran vocalist.
Plenty of highlights here with songs penned mostly by friend to the Kivel label, Jace Pawlak, either writing on his own or with guitarist Miller. Production is by Ty Sims, and one can hear the Bombay Black style harmonies throughout the album, with the band’s frontman Erik Johnson lending a hand there.
I will say though, the one detrimental aspect of the album is the bass heavy mix. Overall it’s bearable, but there are a couple of songs where it is truly overbearing and not easy on the ears to listen to without adjusting audio settings.
Song highlights include the opening track Bad Reputation, a solid, attitude filled track to push off in style.
The title track Charming Devil is a cool rocker, but the pounding bass heavy mix really takes away from my enjoyment of it.
Too Many Roads is one of the best rock power ballads of this or any year. Reece sounds amazing and the added piano adds texture to the already impressive song. The huge chorus knocks it out of the park.
Change My World is another catchy tune while the ultra-catchy, anthemic Tomorrow Never Comes is as impressive as it gets on Charming Devil.
Closing the album is the second ballad of the album, even if it’s sentimental with a kick. Another classy tune.
I favor Identity Crisis over this new album, but songwise it’s a very close call. Both albums feature some real gems and fully deliver on expectations. But the mix here has definitely impacted on my overall enjoyment of it.
American melodic hard rock is alive and well with Tango Down and long may it continue.
