Van Halen - A Different Kind Of Truth (12/04/2012)
Van Halen make a daring return to the music scene with A Different Kind Of Truth, the first album with David Lee Roth since 1984 and Wolfgang Van Halen’s first album with the band altogether.
Kicking off with Tattoo, the first track off of A Different Kind Of Truth is honestly a bit brash and tacky. It’s unashamedly a big stadium rock tune, though it just feels somewhat forced. However, from here on out A Different Kind Of Truth is nothing but brilliance.
When you compare new albums from prominent acts of the 70’s and 80’s (see Iron Maiden, AC/DC) against the music of today, the comparisons are striking. Unlike the computer generated sounds of today's modern music, Van Halen have retained their classic big guitar sound, bring the classic rock of the 80's into today's modern soundscape. Eddie Van Halen’s signature sound is littered all over A Different Kind Of Truth, further proving why he’s been called by so many as the greatest living guitarist around.
As for David Lee Roth, his return to the band is a welcome one. There is a huge sense of confidence in his voice as he commands the band, particularly in She’s The Woman. Stand out tracks include Bullethead, a ferocious ride of song from where the album gets its title and the country-tinged Stay Frosty, which manages to show a different side to the band before catapulting us face first into those familiar riffs and incredible bass lines.
A Different Kind Of Truth wins over the listener with its big, live sound. We can only hope that Van Halen do make a return to our shores soon so that we can experience their new material live. However what makes Van Halen’s return to the scene so great is that A Different Kind Of Truth is in no way an album cash grab. Against all odds, it’s a genuinely fantastic record that will introduce the band to new fans while appealing to their long time, die-hard devotees.
Luke Sutton
Kicking off with Tattoo, the first track off of A Different Kind Of Truth is honestly a bit brash and tacky. It’s unashamedly a big stadium rock tune, though it just feels somewhat forced. However, from here on out A Different Kind Of Truth is nothing but brilliance.
When you compare new albums from prominent acts of the 70’s and 80’s (see Iron Maiden, AC/DC) against the music of today, the comparisons are striking. Unlike the computer generated sounds of today's modern music, Van Halen have retained their classic big guitar sound, bring the classic rock of the 80's into today's modern soundscape. Eddie Van Halen’s signature sound is littered all over A Different Kind Of Truth, further proving why he’s been called by so many as the greatest living guitarist around.
As for David Lee Roth, his return to the band is a welcome one. There is a huge sense of confidence in his voice as he commands the band, particularly in She’s The Woman. Stand out tracks include Bullethead, a ferocious ride of song from where the album gets its title and the country-tinged Stay Frosty, which manages to show a different side to the band before catapulting us face first into those familiar riffs and incredible bass lines.
A Different Kind Of Truth wins over the listener with its big, live sound. We can only hope that Van Halen do make a return to our shores soon so that we can experience their new material live. However what makes Van Halen’s return to the scene so great is that A Different Kind Of Truth is in no way an album cash grab. Against all odds, it’s a genuinely fantastic record that will introduce the band to new fans while appealing to their long time, die-hard devotees.
Luke Sutton