FRANKLIN ZOO - Red Skies
August 10, 2016, 7 years ago
(Mighty Music)
Imagine if Chris Cornell fronted Denmark’s Franklin Zoo, and you’ll get a pretty good idea of the band’s m.o. On its sophomore release, Red Skies, the Danish quintet create eight Seattle grunge-injected tunes influenced by Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Pearl Jam, to name a few. Franklin Zoo’s musical approach is an intriguing concoction of sludgy riffs, stabbing guitar harmonies, pulsating baselines and soaring vocals decorated with a punk rock attitude.
Opener “Burning Man” immediately introduces guitarists Søren Dabros and Daniel Hecht’s infectious, sludgy-yet-bluesy slow-burning riffs, which precede vocalist Rasmus Revsbech’s vibrant vocals. Upon first hearing Revsbech, you’ll immediately think of Chris Cornell. Although Revsbech’s voice is uncannily similar to the veteran frontman, he inserts plenty of his own soaring vocal flair into each track. The sonic thrust of the infectious “It’s Not Me” possesses an almost punky, Nirvana-esque pace, which is only strengthened by its heavy riffs and vibrant vocal harmonies, especially come chorus time. “Never Caught” also treads on ’90s grunge territory. Ditto for the menacing title track with its thick grooves and catchy Alice In Chains vocal harmonies.
Franklin Zoo cranks out some quality sludge-infested rock ’n’ roll on Red Skies. However, throughout each track, you’ll catch yourself wondering, “Is this a new Soundgarden song?” This familiarity might be a slight draw back for the band, as Franklin Zoo draw a little too much from their influences. But damn if they don’t do it well! Danish label Mighty Music has been releasing some outstanding intercontinental rock and metal albums since 1997, and Red Skies is no exception.