Brian Gabriel (g), Rob Carlyle (v,g), Frank Ferrer (d), Joe Merrigan (b)
Photo by Christine Natanael
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Mercury Lounge / Photos by Bob Scofield
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THE COMPULSIONS: BEEN THROUGH HELL EP by Dan Rowe
IT IS TIME FOR THE FRACTURED TRIBE OF ROCK N' ROLL TO UNITE
BEHIND ITS LEADER
Five years ago, the Compulsions sang about what it's like to be a "rat below the busy citizens," on their first masterwork Laughter From Below. Make no mistake: with their newest release, Been Through Hell, that beast remains underfed and is through sitting idly by starving to death. This time, someone's getting their ankle gnawed through. With this outing, the Compulsions have officially chalked up their third flawless disc in a row. If this one doesn't get them the support they deserve, either the people in positions of power within this industry know less about music than is already apparent, or said fact has run the label system into the ground to the point no music industry exists anymore.
The lineup stability newly found on the band's last CD, Demon Love, has for all intents and purposes remained intact, with one doozie of an exception--the reinsertion of current Guns N' Roses drummer Frank Ferrer. Appearing on four of Been Through Hell's six tracks, his consistent presence gives the band a power and confidence they haven't always been afforded. Lead guitarist Brian Gabriel and bassist Joe Merrigan are solid as last time, lending impressive supporting voices to singer/songwriter/founder Rob Carlyle's vision.
Also back, for the third time, are producers Ken Rich and Hugh Pool. It has been a long time since rock n' roll had a band with material this broad in appeal--from the young to the old, from the scenester to the soccer mom, Been Through Hell is sure to excel within any demographic thrown at it. Rich and Pool's production touch is a big reason why. Sonically, this disc is smooth enough to honor its for-the-people commercial aspects, but simultaneously edgy to insure one foot always stays firmly planted in the gutter.
Been Through Hell starts immediately with a kick in the teeth from "Rock 'N' Roll Johnny." On this cut, the Compulsions barrel and bruise like a non-metallic, purely rock n' roll AC/DC. It is sure to be a favorite among every facet of the band's audience.
Next up sees the biggest curve ball of the bunch "Nasty Bitch." Infusing elements of current day mainstream R&B and hip hop with the band's flawlessly rooted rock, the vibe created is akin to an even more successful version of what Billy Idol achieved on groundbreaking classics like "Flesh For Fantasy." Dark, sexy, and synth-driven, this track boasts what may be the most infectious hook Carlyle has ever managed, as well as Gabriel's tastiest lead work to date.
Reworked from the band's very early and super rare 21 Powers Street CD comes "Jungle Disease." In its new form, this song stands where it should, among Carlyle's best. It exemplifies the maturity he has developed as a songwriter by utilizing the power of silence, via perfectly placed breaks.
The acoustically rhythmed "Demon Love" proves to be the Compulsions' to-date masterpiece. Lyrically, a beautifully grotesque portrait of the rock n' roll life is painted for listeners, placing Carlyle firmly in the upper reaches of rock poetdom alongside the Dylans, Lynotts, and Tylas of this universe. Anyone who proclaims themselves a "rock n' roll lifer" that isn't moved by this listen has more than likely been affecting a pose.
The Compulsions follow this feat by hitting you with everything and the kitchen sink on "Desperation." Starting with some of the raunchiest lead work ever committed to wax, the verses shift into a cool groove, once again morphing to bulldozing strut on the choruses. However, the beyond gorgeous pedal steel section that plays from the 2:10 mark through song's end makes "Desperation" the "Layla" of this generation.
Closing Been Through Hell is "Davy Jones' Locker," its quiet verses possessing a creepy tension reminiscent of Tom Waits or Nick Cave's best moments, thanks to a trembling organ that bubbles beneath the song's surface. Gabriel once again delivers huge, milking every drop of soul possible out of his string bends. A Morse code S.O.S. signal provides the perfectly chilling end this listen warrants.
At long last, rock n' roll exists in its post-Chinese Democracy era. While many were hoping that release would save the form, a wave of letdown swelled when it became clear Axl Rose's true intent was to try and reinvent this kind of music instead of rescuing it. Ultimately, that album stands as a musical eyesore, failing at both these purposes, because it lacks the two things Been Through Hell has in spades--songs and being "of the moment." As an effective songwriter, innovation should never come at the expense of communication. While the songwriting techniques Carlyle employs are generally rather straightforward and classic, the now-or-never urgency seeping through every pore of this latest Compulsions release captures the weariness and frustration most of the world is breathing in on a minute-to-minute basis profoundly. This is dark music being made out of a dark time in our history that still somehow gives us reason to rejoice a little, or at least dance around the fire. So, to everyone who sat on their hands nearly two decades waiting for the miracle that was never going to show up, listen carefully: it is time for the fractured tribe of rock n' roll to unite behind its leader; there are no more excuses. That leader is the same as it was five years ago, and the same as it was last year--nobody goes big like the Compulsions.
1. Groove On (4:26)
2. Big, Fat, Sexy Mama (4:15)
3. Can't Get Through to You (2:00)
4. Betrayed (4:59)
5. Cocaine (3:25)
6. My Heart Still Aches for You (2:04)
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