KISS- Sonic Boom Exclusive Sneak Peak Album Review

Before you read this, read "True Confessions of a KISS-aholic" to understand how the hell the clowns at RUFKM obtained a copy of Sonic Boom and why we are wasting time writing a review. Or don't.

RUFKM received Sonic Boom at our headquarters yesterday. This was a complete surprise. Since then, I have listened to it in full about 7 times. I gave it the car test, the home stereo test, and the headphone test for production quality. KISS is not music you absorb slowly; you instantly know if it rocks so I don't need to digest this over the next couple days.

There are quite a few reviews out there for Sonic Boom already that break the album down in a detailed track by track fashion. For that reason, I will try a different approach. Enjoy.

Truth in Advertising: Paul and Gene are on a relentless press tour right now preaching the KISS gospel and making outrageous claims that this is this is the best KISS album in over 30 years, a blend of Rock And Roll Over andLove Gun, and that they can levitate, see through walls, have the cure for the H1-N1 virus, etc.

Bullshit. However, it is a nice blend of 70's, some of the stronger 80's tunes, and a touch of Revenge. "Modern Day Delilah" is a perfect example of this as it combines the vibe of "I stole your love" and "I want you" with the guitar tone from Revenge.

The fact is that there are some great moments on the album and some cringe-worthy ones as well. With the exception of "Say Yeah" at track 11, they stack all the solid tracks in the front of the album.

Cover: Awful. Looks like the quality of a bonus card you get in a pack of KISS trading cards with a stick of stale gum. However, it will fit in nicely with the Wal-Mart decor.

Gene Songs: Gene's best two songs are right up front - "Russian Roulette" and "(Yes I know) Nobody's Perfect." These two tracks actually do fit in the 70's vibe. Then comes the before mentioned cringe-worthy moment of "Hot and Cold" which causes the same amount of pain to my ears that Michael Madsen inflicted on that dude's left ear in Reservoir Dogs.

Paul Songs: It's been just a couple years since Paul's solo album Live to Win and if you think he got that style of songwriting out of his system.... think again. The ghost of Desmond Child is alive and well in the studio. With the exception of "Modern Day Delilah." these are all 80's anthems... but better than normal. "Never Enough" strangely reminds me of Poison's "Nothin' But A Good Time." "Stand" is the 2009 "Shout it out Loud" or "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" and I can't resist a Paul/Gene tradeoff vocal. It's over the top but still works for me.

Tommy/Eric Songs: Why? I am not a hater and was thrilled when Singer was back on drums and Peter was back out....... but "All for the glory" and "When Lightening Strikes" are pointless and just as bad as their titles. Both these tracks stink worse than Bigfoot's nutsack after a triathlon. However, this will present a perfect opportunity to take a piss if they play these live.

Lyrics: Just as insightful as ever.

Musicianship: Paul's voice sounds great, so does Gene's. The production is solid and highlights Gene's Godzilla-like bass playing. Singer is top notch on the drums as usual. And for you Tommy Thayer Haters out there.... sorry, but he does a great Ace Frehley, I was really impressed. What'ssad is Tommy's solos are better than Ace's own solos on his just released Anomaly.

Summary: It's better than expected and does not suck. I can see them fitting several of these easily in their set list and most of the choruses are already embedded in my brain. Here's the breakdown.

Solid: Modern Day Delilah, Russian Roulette, Never Enough, (Yes I Know) Nobody's Perfect, Say Yeah

Decent: Stand, I'm an Animal, Danger Us

Steaming Turds: Hot and Cold, All for the Glory, When Lightening Strikes