SCORPIONS |
| At first glance,
any self-respecting rock fan would be quick to butcher this latest recording
by the German legends. And perhaps it is that well-deserved legendary
status that keeps us from letting them break apart from that which we've
come to expect and grown to love throughout the years. The three of them gracing the front cover of their new "Eye to Eye" record look like they jumped right off a promo photo for another Godfather movie or something-yes it's a new image indeed. Be thankful they haven't gone grunge or alternative-would they even know how? Well actually "Priscilla." But modern rock tinged with Electronica/Dance beats, yes sir. this statement has not actually been confirmed as no evidence of samplers has been uncovered at the time of this writing. Believe it or not, this is about 40% representative of the Scorpions we all know and about 60% impostor. That said, no one can argue that a change needed to take place however drastic the members themselves felt they needed to go, as their last few recordings were uninspired and just plain dull to put it fondly. Yes they are apparently going through a mid-life crisis here. or resolving to give Metallica a run for their money to see who can alienate the fans more-I think Metallica still wins out simply because the Scorpions have always walked the line between pop and commercial appeal where Metallica was supposed to be hard to the core. However you look at it they've changed and whether it's for the better remains to be seen but there's still some interesting stuff here. "Mysterious" sets the record spinning and led by the drumming of Kottak, is tuneful and perplexing all at once yet strangely addicting. It could well make a dent with modern rock radio with a little luck. "To Be No. 1" which I believe to be the first single is atrocious at best though again there are parts within that lead one to stick around in the hopes of better times. Luckily they'll get 'em, not by the handful but bits & pieces scattered around as with songs 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, & 13 finishing up strongly with a moving orchestral piece. "Light Years Away" which has an upbeat atmospheric presence before giving way to a vintage Scorpions rocker "Mind like a Tree" is a terrific four and five punch. And what would a Scorpions album be without those inspiring ballads they've long since mastered. Try "Obsession" for starters and then move on to the title track. wait a minute, is this Peter "My Baby is a Centerfold" Wolf who did the production here? I'm not sure but I'm almost inclined to think so due to some of the funkier "Freshly Squeezed" content. The band deserves credit for at least not wanting to sit on their hands and grow old gracefully. Though some of their direction is a little off course-or a lot depending on your mental outlook-the songs have much more spice to them than we're accustomed to hearing. Now the question that arises is will the end result of the Scorpions dissatisfaction with the dated rock scene they were first bore from be enough to soar them past the inevitable dissatisfaction longtime fans are liable to absorb in favor of creative freedom and modern advancement? Released by Koch Records. Website: http://kochint.com/home.html Review by Vinnie Apicella. |