MENNEN – Freakazoid

Posted: 7/17/05

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category:

Released: 3/8/05

Label URL: www.escapi.com

Artist URL: www.mennen.net

1/2

The cd’s that I have received from Escapi Music have primarily been on the thrash metal side.  When I received this Mennen cd, I expected more of the same.  I was shocked when I heard the harmonies and melodic vocal style of this band.  Named after singer Joss Mennen, the band was formed in 1994 and Freakazoid is their fifth release.  Joss was previously in a band called Zinatra and word has it that he worked as a session musician, providing vocals to releases from Scorpions, Danger Danger, and Craaft.

Joss employs a melodic vocal approach and the band uses harmony choruses, but there is hint of a contemporary tone.   There is plenty of traditional 80s guitar playing but the rhythmic approach is a bit darker than something you would have heard 15 to 20 years ago.  Joss’ voice handles the darker moments, as well as the lighter situations equally well.  A vocal comparison could be made with Cutting Crew’s Nick Van Eede, while the backing vocals in some spots sound like Kick Axe.

The Bloody Truth: The record ranges from heavier tracks like opener “Down” and the oddly titled “Bob,” to slower tracks like the despondent ballad “Believe” and the sensitive and subtle “Above The Waterline.”  The primary direction is on the lighter material though, which is a bit too light for me.  Mennen is an original sounding unit however, as I cannot really pin their sound down.  The more guitar oriented and upbeat material is where the band shines, but there just isn’t enough of that on Freakazoid for me to up the axes.