Let's not beat about the bush, this is the most unexpected and surprisingly superb comeback album of the year. No messing. No hyperbole.
It's hard to believe that 15 years ago Scottish rockers Gun released their final album, broke up and disappeared into a post Brit Rock oblivion. Has it really been nearly two decades since their battering ram rendition of Cameo's 'Word Up' became the biggest hit of their career? In case you've forgotten, Gun were a fantastic band in their prime. After forming in 1987 they delivered a triple stacked power-punch of stonking albums. From their beaten down début 'Taking On The World', to the guitar driven ferocity of 'Gallus', to 'Swaggers' stadium sized anthems, Gun were a special outfit who deserved more acclaim than they received. Unfortunately experimentation, and possible insanity, took hold on 1997's bizarrely titled final release, '0141 632 6326', a disastrous concotion of pseudo-disco beats and lightweight pop fluff, castrated of their trademark fiery passion. Hardly a fitting epitaph. But, like a boxer craving one last shot at the title - they're back! Only not as we knew them. When the idea of reforming was discussed in 2008 charismatic frontman Mark Rankin, whilst giving his blessing to the reunion, declined the chance to return. Undeterred, Little Angels vocalist Toby Jepson was drafted in for a tour and 2009's promising 'Popkiller' EP. Due to other commitments Jepson then withdrew, leading bassist Dante Gizzi to step up to the plate as lead singer on this brand new album.
The idea of Gun without Rankin isn't immediately appealing. His impassioned, ballsy rasp was commanding, instantly recognisable and gave a gutsy edge to their socially conscious hard rock repertoire. In contrast, Gizzi's voice is completely different, with a tone similar to a less unhinged Axl Rose, all vinegary in the higher registers and a little wobbly everywhere else. Furthermore, their style has also evolved, embracing a full blooded pop rock dynamic that seems far removed from the Gun of old. In light of these changes it's questionnable whether they should even still be using their former name. However, whereas Gun had a revolving door of drummers and rhythm guitarists, Dante and his brother Jools (lead guitar), together with Rankin, were always the lifeblood of the band. With the Gizzi boys in tandem, along with Rankin's patronage, there's enough of their original line-up to justify that moniker. But, the striking sonic shift raises doubts about whether this really is Gun or some new group milking a well known brand name. The only way to answer that question is through the music. And it's one hell of an answer they give.
What's immediately thrilling about 'Breaking The Silence' is Dave Eringa's grandiose production, detonating out the speakers like a sonic bomb blast. It's a loud, proud defiant statement of intent as the storming 'Butcher Man' kicks off proceedings with an immense confidence, sounding like 'Rocks' era Primal Scream fronted by Guns N' Roses tardy megalomaniac, complete with sexy, hip shaking backing vocals. 'Lost And Found' continues that kinetic call to arms, bringing a pogo-tastic slab of glam pop, like a classic slice of Slade, with a chorus made for dancefloors the world over. If they, y'know, played good music. Better still, the title track's a glorious anthem delivered in Widescreen Technicolour HD, building from a smooth melodic verse into a fist pumping refrain that demands we shake off the shackles of our oppressors to live as emancipated individuals with the whole wide world world at our feet. Come on!!
The pace slows for 'How Many Roads', a melancholic highland take on R.E.M's 'Everybody Hurts', with heartbroken backing vocals and Eringa's emotionally charged strings lending an exquisite beauty to the down trodden confessional narrative. It's also Gizzi's finest vocal performance on the album. Most beguiling of all, however, is the sumptuous, glacial wall of sound that oozes through mid-tempo track 'Innocent Thieves', a tune you'd swear was produced by Phil Spector - if it wasn't for his current predicament courtesy of his fascination with, er, guns.....
Foot hits throttle again on 'No Substitute', a 100% proof piece of deliciously addictive pop rock ear candy, before an electrifying dose of Green Day punk on 'Bad Things', where the verse's distorted vocals morph into a twisting, train of thought hook that spins with an insistent catchiness. 'Running Out Of Time', on the other hand, is a blissfully crooned cut of top notch adult orientated pop, featuring heartfelt lyrics about seizing opportunities before it's too late; 'We've been chasing rainbows, silhouettes and shadows, lessons to be learned now, we're running out of time'. If recorded by Coldplay – it would be huge.
Although 'Breaking The Silence' feels like a radical departure, closer inspection reveals some familiar motifs. The old school riff propelling '14 Stations' is like a darker, blunted take on 'Steal Your Fire's guitar intro, whilst 'Caught In The Middle' bathes in the brooding heartache that courses through their entire back catalogue. Plus, they always had an immaculate ear for a melody, something that's been pushed to the fore on this new material. Furthermore, lyrically Gun were always a notch above their peers and nothing has changed in that respect, with their bruised and beaten Glaswegian attitude still delivering escapist anthems awash with genuine social awareness and an unrelenting desire to break free and prosper.
On the strength of this album the band should continue as Gun. These tunes NEED to be heard and that name will give them much deserved exposure. Also, whilst Gizzi isn't the greatest singer he's more than capable of carrying a tune, and the songwriting class on display renders any shortcomings completely unimportant. They'll still be sceptics, but the album's exuberant brilliance easily wipes away any lingering doubts. Once you accept this is a different animal to their original incarnation it really is a joy to behold. Now they've broken the silence let's hope they keep making this blissful racket for many years to come. Phew. It's a relief to have written this review without having to resort to any cliches about Gun firing blanks.
Gun's 'Breaking The Silence' is out now via earMUSIC, Edel´s international rock label.
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It's hard to believe that 15 years ago Scottish rockers Gun released their final album, broke up and disappeared into a post Brit Rock oblivion. Has it really been nearly two decades since their battering ram rendition of Cameo's 'Word Up' became the biggest hit of their career? In case you've forgotten, Gun were a fantastic band in their prime. After forming in 1987 they delivered a triple stacked power-punch of stonking albums. From their beaten down début 'Taking On The World', to the guitar driven ferocity of 'Gallus', to 'Swaggers' stadium sized anthems, Gun were a special outfit who deserved more acclaim than they received. Unfortunately experimentation, and possible insanity, took hold on 1997's bizarrely titled final release, '0141 632 6326', a disastrous concotion of pseudo-disco beats and lightweight pop fluff, castrated of their trademark fiery passion. Hardly a fitting epitaph. But, like a boxer craving one last shot at the title - they're back! Only not as we knew them. When the idea of reforming was discussed in 2008 charismatic frontman Mark Rankin, whilst giving his blessing to the reunion, declined the chance to return. Undeterred, Little Angels vocalist Toby Jepson was drafted in for a tour and 2009's promising 'Popkiller' EP. Due to other commitments Jepson then withdrew, leading bassist Dante Gizzi to step up to the plate as lead singer on this brand new album.
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