KISSIN’ DYNAMITE – Not the End of the Road – ALBUM REVIEW

‘What Goes Up’ is a little more laid back with a huge groove and hypnotic refrain, ‘Only the Dead’ picks things up a little and is just as compelling, but it’s ‘Good Life (featuring Saltatio Mortis / Alea, Guernica Mancini & Charlotte Wessels)’ that shows that there’s more than one side to these German giants. It’s a song that shows a real deftness of touch and allows Braun’s vocals to shine – more than just a ballad, it’s a wonderful moment of calm amidst the perfect storm.

The intriguingly-titled ‘Yoko Ono’ adds a little Pop savvy, danceability and quirkiness, whilst ‘Coming Home’ really hits the spot, it might have a little too much synth for some but I find the balance just right. It’s a mid-tempo ballad in the vein of Bon Jovi, just much better than their last few decades output. You’ll be singing this one for sure!

We’re back and rocking for ‘All for a Halleluja’ which slips down nicely and is another huge song. ‘No One Dies a Virgin’ which follows just races out of the traps with some great lyrics (‘No one dies a virgin, in the end life f**ks us all’) and a flurry of fiery guitar, but just when you think they can’t push that bar higher it’s ‘Gone for Good’ the second lighter moment that for me shows the real talent within the band. It’s huge, it’s sublime, it’s tear-jerkingly, goose-bump inducingly spectacular!

And what is this? Not content with that huge moment they immediately hit you with another! ‘Defeat It’ another of the best here, it’s a rocker in the classic mould that for me has echoes of Scorpions in the 80’s glory, but it’s more than that – it’s huge, and one of my songs of the year! Drawing close to the end of a rather special release ‘Voodoo Spell’ adds a nice twist – all tribal beats before a clean guitar cuts in and we launch into those cool verses and soaring choruses, all held together with teh repeated guitar refrain. It’s another winner!

Closer ‘Scars’ starts with gentle stripped back acoustic and voice – it’s the mellowest moment here and maybe an insight into the evolution of KD’s slower numbers, gently orchestrated and wonderfully subtle it’s  fitting set-closer. If 2022 is going to be this good we’re in for a treat!