Chickenfoot (Redline Entertainment) ****

It’s been a while since big names united into a super-group. When it happens the expectations are high, and the delivery is not always that good. Chickenfoot works well as a band. The band consists of Sammy Hagar on vocals, Joe Satriani on guitar, Michael Anthony on bass, and Chad Smith on drums. All of these guys are no strangers to hit records, and had been around for a long time. These four individuals combined their talents into what became Chickenfoot. A silly name if you ask but at least it shows the band having fun, and opting for a very relaxed attitude.

Musically Chickenfoot is just good rock. The music reminds the listener of many different styles mixed into one. You can’t compare this group to any of the names these musicians are/were attached to because the influence is very inconsistent, and varies from track to track. Obviously there is 50 % of Hagar-era Van Halen in Chickenfoot so such comparisons are well justified, but probably should be limited to the spirit of doing things.

It’s great to hear Sammy Hagar singing rock again they way he should. His last few ventures were more reminiscent of party/good time Jimmy Buffet type a thing. Hagar is the Red Rocker, and here he is back full force. Apart from great performance from Hagar much should be said about Joe Satriani. His guitar playing is really outstanding, and unlike many of the guitar heroes he does not overplay. Satriani always understood what writing a song is all about. He shines when he needs to, but his presence on the record is very delicate yet incredibly strong. Michael Anthony’s solid bass grooves as always complement the songs. His back-up vocals very significant and reminiscent of you know who. Finally Chad Smith, a very credible and exciting drummer who gets the job done. Smith’s intense drumming with RHCP and Glenn Hughes truly bring him to the forefront of the instrument.

The album rocks, and will be one of the biggest surprises of the season. It has that summer feel about it. You want listen to it loud in a car while driving fast, windows down or completely removed. The intensity of the music is very consistent throughout the record. Plenty of great tracks such as Down The Drain, Sexy Little Thing, My Kinda Girl, or Soap On a Rope. Plenty of good rock’n’roll here. For something that a year ago seemed like a joke and bad publicity stunt, this debut exceeds the expectations.

Mark Kadzielawa