Four the Hard Way

Four the Hard Way is the album on which Danger Danger recovered catchy choruses, crisp guitar and a bright rock-and-roll feel. Paul Laine sings, and original members Andy Timmons and Kasey Smith contribute heavily as guests. Combining four re-recordings from the never-released Cockroach (“Still Kickin',” “Sick Little Twisted Mind,” “Afraid of Love,” “Goin' Goin' Gone”) with new songs, it returns to the melody-first sound that made the band’s name. It came out via Germany’s MTM and others. The songs move compactly, naturally raising heat toward the chorus. From driving tracks like “Captain Bring Me Down” and “The Girl Ain't Built to Sleep Alone” to gentler ones, it keeps range while staying consistently easy to hear. It values melody, yet the band’s playing has a fitting rawness. Carrying a tangled backstory, it plainly puts forward Danger Danger’s native flash — a light, approachable hard-rock record.