Review by Matt Miller
We Sweat Blood digs right into the flesh of Danko Jones with the instantly infectious drumbeat of “Forget My Name,” so I’ll get right into the review... We Sweat Blood is a hot damn album. A self-professed ‘live band’ Danko Jones forego convoluted melodies and lyrics for time-tested rhythm and hooks. A dirty, yet not sloppy guitar riff quickly appends itself to the drumbeat, while the rhythm of the bass guitar periodically deviates from the melody and even disappears entirely, establishing a trend that permeates the rest of the album’s skin.
Establishing a place as legitimate instrumentation rather than simple accessory, the bass guitar introduces "Lovercall," a half-spoken song offset by a chorus with some of the best singing and guitar work on the album. "Dance" skips ahead with an introductory electronic sample and beat before launching into an instrumental reflection and coy delivery of the lyrics boom, boom, boom, while the bass guitar sticks around giving the song considerable movement. It's one of the most fun tracks on the album and it's also... danceable.
The lyrics of “Sound of Love” and “Heartbreak’s a Blessing” instruct listeners, particularly the fellas, on lessons of love. The former juxtaposes powerful guitar melodies with simple verses and a somewhat complicated chorus that encompasses a relatively expansive range in pitch. The shifty soundscape of the latter track boils against lyrics delivered in almost hip-hop verses (…almost) alongside a chorus that, at its peak, hovers in varying degrees between howling and singing without committing to either with the appended lyrics When I see a pretty lady walking down the street my eyes get overtaken my knees get weak. I can talk the talk but I’m easily tempted. Resisting a good looking woman…ain’t so easy in the end. “Strut” directly addresses the female audience with a similar motivational message... pick yourself up leave your self doubt home and just... Strut and the hottest thing you got is confidence delivered in an anthem style.
“The Cross” tints We Sweat Blood a little redder with a straight-up angry punk rock delivery before sliding into “Love Travel,” which boasts a constantly jerky guitar riff that actually travels almost as much as smoother guitar melodies on We Sweat Blood. The effect is a slightly darker, prowling mood opposed to the more innocent lust of earlier tracks.
The title track wraps up the album with as much unrefined emotion as it began. Danko Jones is a live act that has successfully transmuted into the digital realm without losing the raw power of their quality live show. While I have yet to witness Danko Jones live, I certainly wouldn’t spurn the opportunity after having heard We Sweat Blood.