Following last year’s 25th Anniversary re-issue of debut album Taking On The World, and hot on the heels of three sell-out nights at Glasgow’s King Tut’s, MTV’s first ever EMA winners GUN return with the release of new album, Frantic.
With original singer Mark Rankin long since gone, Dante Gizzi continues on vocals and, whilst this creates a different sounding dynamic to the one some fans will associate with, it is one I enjoy. The album opens with ‘Let It Shine’ and as the gospel-esq intro opens I begin to wonder what is coming next. Thankfully, within 20 seconds or so it is business as usual and as the drums and guitar kick-in it is GUN as I know it, doing what they do best.
Lead single ‘Labour Of Life’ follows and with the drums setting the pace from the off, and some tasty guitar work, this track will appeal to both old and new fans alike. Make no mistake, this is a cracking rock tune that had me head-bopping away almost instantly, and within a couple of listens I was singing along word for word with Dante as he bellows “it’s a labour of love, a labour of life”.
‘Beautiful Smile’ takes things a bit of a different direction and has a bit of a ’90s grungy feel to it. Dated but enjoyable all the same. ‘One Wrong Turn’ is another highpoint showcasing Dante’s vocal. Admittedly Dante’s is a vocal I have always enjoyed (even digging on his El Presidente material). ‘Our Time’ is a reflective number that reminds of something I have heard previously but just can’t put my finger on. Title track ‘Frantic’ is a personal favourite as Dante appears to reflect on a relationship and sings “why does my heart beat so frantic… when I’m with you?”
The uplifting ‘Hold Your Head Up’ follows and provides the perfect tonic for any lingering lost love hangover. Again, the guitar sounds great alongside the vocals that really shine through and this one has all the makings of a live anthem, and one I look forward to hearing at Glasgow’s Barrowland at the end of the month. ‘Big City’ is another hit in the making and as Dante sings “big city, big lights, one minute it is alright” it is music perfect for blasting out in any car. ‘Seraphina’ follows and appears to draw on inspiration from a sinful and fiery lady.
The ten track album closes out with ‘Never Knew What I Had’ with the lyrics appearing to reflect on a doomed relationship as Dante sings, “I don’t blame you for leaving, I was a foolish man / never knew, never knew what I had”. Despite the subject matter it is a song fans will enjoy and sing-along to within a couple of listens. All in, Frantic is a catchy pop-rock album and well worth a listen to.
Frantic is released on 23rd March via Cloburn Music.
Bazza Mills
@bazzamills
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