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AC ANGRY
Black Denim

Dust On The Tracks (2013)
Rating: 8/10

There was a time when rock ’n’ roll was dangerous. Metal has always been dangerous, but rock used to be the monster waiting in the dark to lead your children astray. Bands like AC/DC would lead your sons to drag race in the streets and your daughters to sneak away in the night to see sweaty men tear up a stage.

This flame has been kept alive by the likes of Turbonegro, and now the torch passes to the new kings of sleazy rock ’n’ roll, AC Angry. This German band, previously known as Taletellers, has created a grimy, dangerous noise on their debut release under their current moniker.

The music of AC Angry is firmly built around vocalist / guitarist Alan Costa. Costa has a perfect voice for rock. Not so fierce that it only suits metal, and definitely not smooth enough for pop, this is a muscular voice that demands attention, and perfectly suits the band’s balls to the wall, dirty rock music. Songs like ‘Rocker’ could easily fit into the more groove-oriented side of a Motörhead album, and title track ‘Black Denim’ would make the Denim Demons in Turbonegro proud. The music on Black Denim brings back the danger to rock music, and Alan Costa is leading the charge.

If you’re looking for ballads, AC Angry is not the band for you. Opening track ‘Booze Horse’ opens with a roar, and for the first verse is reminiscent of the Ratt classic ‘I’m Insane’, before moving into garage rock territory. Somewhere between the garage and the local bar is where this band thrives. Songs like ‘Rock ‘N’ Roller Roller Rolla!’ bring back the power of a young AC/DC led by Bon Scott’s tough, straight from the groin attack. Guitar solos are effective and concise, and rhythms are designed to pummel the listener into submission. AC Angry goes for the throat on every song.

Let it not be said that Black Denim is a one trick pony. ‘It’s Good To Be Bad’ uses a growling acoustic guitar to bring a threatening tone in a song that, while slower than many of the others, is nowhere near a ballad. ‘Like A Riot’ creates a groove that is straight out of 80s metal during the verses, but becomes a locomotive of destruction in the chorus. ‘Motor’ opens with a chant of “hey!” that rivals the “oi!” that opens the AC/DC classic ‘TNT’ and showcases some great guitar work in the transition between verse and chorus. AC Angry definitely has a formula, but the band is not afraid to step outside its own box when the song requires.

The world needs more bands like AC Angry. Rock used to be the domain of men who could, and would, kick your ass at any provocation. It was the outlet of the left out, and the place where the undesirables became kings. Black Denim brings back that ethos. Emos, goths and pop crooners need not apply, because AC Angry is bringing back the dirt to rock ’n’ roll. This album would have been a fitting follow up to Turbonegro’s Retox (2007).

If you miss the good old days of dirty, ballsy music filled with guitar muscle and oozing testosterone rev up your engine, put on your denim jacket, and go buy a copy of Black Denim. You won’t be disappointed.

Jim McDonald

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