Revolve

Revolve is the album into which Danger Danger packed their signature light riffs and big choruses without hesitation. Timed to the debut’s 20th anniversary, it came out on Frontiers in 2009. Ted Poley, back after an eleven-year absence, sings; new member Rob Marcello plays guitar; and Bruno Ravel (bass, keyboards) and Steve West hold the base. Ravel produced and mixed it at Soundcheckers Studios in New York. A fitting melancholy sits behind the bright melody, and AOR-leaning polish lines up neatly with hard-rock drive. From the lift of “That's What I'm Talking About,” the sharp-solo opening of “Ghost of Love,” and the big hook of “Hearts on the Highway” to the acoustic “Fugitive,” the flow from intro to chorus is very smooth. Marcello’s dazzling guitar shines throughout. After a history of revolving personnel true to the band’s name, it achieves a back-to-roots turn often called the rightful successor to Screw It! — a record that unites easy listening and heat, delivering the essence of melodic rock straight.