Review Summary: Don Broco certainly got their Priorities spot on with this release.
Don Broco are a band that already has a reputation as a great live band, with cult classics such as 'Dreamboy' & 'Thug Workout' helping them too gain this fantastic live reputation.
They have already released an EP, called 'Big Fat Smile', which was well received on the underground circuit, but recently they have begun to break out onto the mainstream scene, gaining momentum and quite the following - before their debut CD is even released!.
So onto the album itself and three things are evident, the first the songs are mainly punchy and straight to the point, secondly these songs are very catchy and made to be sung in a live environment. Thirdly this is an album simply jam packed with anthems. If you like your music with memorable hooks and huge choruses then this will fit the bill perfectly as the songs become embedded in your head, and stay there for the long run.
Take lead single and opening song 'Priorities' as an example. A typical bro's before hoe's tune here as Don Broco recall a pastime about a friend who changed when he met a girl. Confronting the issues straight up by singing, 'Mate, do you know how much you've changed, where's my buddy I was hanging out with yesterday?'.
The album continues in the same catchy and punchy fashion after 'Priorities'. With tongue in cheek lyrical content and infectious choruses (such as 'Hold on, hold on, something fishy's going on', found on the track 'Hold On'). A future single for sure.
'Whole Truth' is another album highlight, the topic of this song is about a friend who cheated on his partner, but she is yet to find out. So as the song states 'The whole truth, would break your heart'. They hit the nail on the head with this song. With it's memorable tune and lyrics playing off against one another.
As the album goes on, each song has a distinct but fresh sounding vibe to it. For example, 'Fancy Dress' is probably the albums heaviest track with a thunderous riff and vocal patterns to fit. Very different from say, the acoustically driven vibe of 'Yeah Man'.
Speaking of showcasing different styles and vibes, the albums longest and slowest track track 'You Got It Girl', solidifies itself by doing just that. If this isn't meant to be an encore song at one of Don Broco's shows then I don't know what is. The song has a mellow build up then bursts into life towards the end. Another emphasis on the variation of musical genres covered here. With all these songs passing by it is easy for some songs to get lost in the mix. One of these songs is 'Back In The Day'. A song inspired while reminiscing about the past no doubt.
Album closer and second single 'Actors' could have easily opened up this record, as it kicks straight into business with Rob Damiani stating 'I've seen quite a bit, but this really takes the biscuit'. The album starts as it ends, on a high with a bang and leaves you wanting more, which is what the repeat button is for!.
