DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION
A restored, stronger vessel
First, let us pause to
reflect on all the injustice in the musical world; which was manifest in how
vastly under-appreciated and underrated P.O.D.’s 2007 Testify was… Okay, the past is now past, and bygones will be
bygones.
In more than a figurative sense, much
relational patching up was certainly part of the process of this unexpected
reunion following the somewhat public split between guitarist Marcos Curiel and
the band five short years ago. His presence is immediately felt in the full
sonic production throughout When Angels
& Serpents Dance. The dude’s got style, and he could probably have his
guitar tones trademarked if he wanted. Part Latino spice, part controlled tone
and metallic muscle, Curiel picks right up where he left off with Satellite. The relaxed yet pounding
riffs in “Condescending,” which features a lyrical tongue-lashing akin to the
righteous venting of “Anything Right,” just beg for full volume treatment. His
guitar leads in the dancehall-tinged “I’ll Be Ready” are enough to make a
master like Carlos Santana proud.
Other highlights include the compelling
story-telling approach in “It Can’t Rain Every Day.” Vocalist Sonny Sandoval’s
poetic use of narrative adds an almost visual element, as empathy toward the
song’s characters is easy to grasp. The stylish “Kalifor-eye-a” shows the band
stirring up a concoction of its usual eclectic influences of funk, reggae,
hip-hop and plenty of big-time guitar rock & roll. The guest vocal appearance
of Mike Muir (Suicidal Tendencies) is announced with “Do you have any idea what this is? West Coast legendary, open eyes
family business…” as Sandoval and Muir trade high-velocity riffs in tribute
to their fine state. Helmet’s Page Hamilton also makes a guest appearance in
the almost destructive “God Forbid.” Not to be outdone by outside players,
Curiel takes center stage for the beautiful “Roman Empire” flamenco guitar
instrumental that precedes the title track.
If this amazing album doesn’t get the music
world’s attention upon its release, there just might have to be a
revolution.
-- Doug Van Pelt