CD REVIEW: SALIVA – Loves, Lies & Therapy

Label: uMe

Release Date: June 10, 2016

Rating: 8/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Saliva is still out there touring and better yet, still recording.  The band has had changes in personnel over the years, but has settled into a certain sound and they have embraced it on their latest release.  “Trust” opens with the line – ‘You’re a liar’ – and keeps that same attitude woven through the lyrics, the chugging riffs, and the heavy bottom end of the track, kicking the disc off with aggression and doesn’t look back on the heavier tracks, and let’s up when the mood dictates.  “Tragic Kind Of Love” keeps the sound pounding and the tempo flowing.  The riffs are solid, but the driving beat provided by Paul Crosby on drums keep the song in line with others on the disc, without being too heavy.  “Unshatter Me” is the first mellow track on the disc, but don’t think for one second the band has gone soft – the lyrical content is as emotional and meaningful as any other song here.  The chorus is catchy and delivers a bit of a punch.  “Rx” is a great rocker that blends different sounds and styles of riffs and creates a cool background for Amaru’s vocals and the rhythmic back beat from Crosby and new bassist Brad Stewart.  “Go Big Or Go Home” is another anthem sounding track from the band that delivered them one after another in the past, jumping into a comfort zone and sound from their past that still fits them well.  “Refuse To Lose” is a solid rock track that marries chugging riffs, searing solos, heavy vocals, and a driven rhythm section.

“Bitch Like You” opens with a slightly different sound than a lot of the songs on this disc, but it fits the mold of the band and allows singer Bobby Amaru to embrace the lyrics and deliver them perfectly.  The bottom end is solid and gives the track a great vibe.  “Broken Wings” is another track that slows the tempo a bit, but delivers some great riffs from Wayne Swinny and a solid chorus that carries the track from verse to verse.  “Breakdown” is a beautiful song that, while sounding like a departure from the other music in the bands catalog, fits perfectly in the band’s sound and the discs vibe.  If this chorus doesn’t hook you, nothing on this disc will.  “Loneliest Know” opens with a beautiful acoustic guitar and vocal duet that seems to grow from stanza to stanza, without getting over blown or too heavy.  The chorus features some cool layered vocals and harmonies that add depth tot eh song.  “They Don’t Care About Us” is an awesome take on the Michael Jackson track.  The songs message is accentuated by the heavier musical accompaniment on this version that should please fans of Saliva and MJ alike.  Disc closer “Hand In Hand” takes the disc out on a mild sound and tempo, without losing the impact or mood created by other songs on the disc – thanks to the emotional vocals from Amaru that seem to wrap themselves around the lyrics.

Tracklisting: Trust – Tragic Kind Of Love – Bitch Like You – Unshatter Me – Broken Wings – Rx – Breakdown – Go Big Or Go Home – Lonliest Know – Refuse To Lose – They Don’t Care About Us – Hand In Hand

SALIVA LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

LOVE, LIES & THERAPY – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews