SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: DANKO JONES – LEO RISING

DANKO JONES
LEO RISING
REIGNING PHOENIX MUSIC

Since Danko Jones began their career as a band in the early ’90s, two elements have remained prominent in their arena-style, anthemic sound. Their ferocious swagger stays strong, as does their unapologetic loyalty to groovy, punk roots; both only get stronger with time. In their latest offering, Leo Rising, Danko Jones not only upholds those traditions but also reaffirms their vitality. An album that thrives on their energetic urgency and infectious hooks, these qualities only help convey Danko Jones’ continued growth as one of the biggest staples of the punk scene to this day.

Listening to the opening tracks of Leo Rising, such as “What You Need,” “Diamond In The Rough (featuring Marty Friedman),” and “Everyday Is Saturday Night,” it becomes evident that Danko Jones excels at showing that musical consistency does not equal stagnation. Produced by longtime collaborator Eric Ratz, the band’s 12th album is tightly constructed, delivering a gritty, high-energy sound that feels both nostalgic and confident. Marty Friedman’s guest appearance on “Diamond In The Rough” further elevates the track, adding distinctiveness and polish.

Other standout tracks, such as “I Love It Louder,” “Hot Fox,” and “Pretty Stuff,” showcase Danko Jones’ ability to blend playful, edgy energy with their trademark punk-inspired, guitar-driven sound. These songs maintain a sense of excitement reminiscent of lively city nightlife, while their powerful choruses and muscular guitars reinforce the album’s driving momentum.

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Something one comes to realize throughout this record is that it is very physical. One that is partly dangerous in its guitar and drum execution and assertive bass lines, the other underscored by its effortless melodic sections. Iconically sharp and candy-sweet melodic moments, such as “Gotta Let It Go” and “I Can’t Stop,” are the album’s best tracks and exemplify a band that doesn’t waste time on filler, instrumentally or lyrically. Direct and impactful, Danko Jones dives straight into the heart of what makes each track shine. Whether it’s the no-frills momentum within “Gotta Let It Go” or the honeyed melodic tones that coat the punchy atmosphere of “I Can’t Stop,” Danko Jones hones in and builds on that momentum and creates some of the best experiences on this record. Ending on a raw and loose final experience, “Too Slick For Love,” Leo Rising concludes, signing off on one of the band’s most spirited records to date.

Leo Rising isn’t experimental by any means, and those who are looking for that in this record might come away from this a bit underwhelmed. But Leo Rising isn’t about experimentation. It’s about doubling down on what they do best. There is this brimming sense of confidence that exudes from this record, crafting moments built for volume and fun, not to prove something. Standing out for its conviction and whetted sharpness, Danko Jones makes an album that proves that three decades in, they are still hungry and ready for more.

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