Human Zoo

Human Zoo is the sixth album on which Gotthard, using thick guitar riffs, tenacious groove and Steve Lee’s powerful singing, further hones the straight path of hard rock. The songs, while keeping a sure weight, have melody that is always clear and choruses with a widely open feel. Inheriting the fullness of the previous works, it pursues a more powerful, sturdy sound. From the aggressive drive of the opening title track “Human Zoo” and the momentum of “What I Like” to the lyrical “Have a Little Faith,” every song is engaging, while cuts like “Top of the World” and “One In a Million” convey the work’s fullness. The balance of a blues sense and pop, memorable hooks is truly good, and the band’s playing is steady throughout. A record letting you fully savor the appeal of mature melodic hard, winning on powerful riffs and sure vocal melody rather than relying on flashy decoration. Steve Lee’s soulful, expressive voice is in sharp form throughout. Showing Gotthard’s mature, sure ability and steadiness, it is an engaging, fulfilling work — a record evoking the band’s underlying strength.