Album Details

• Artist: Danko Jones
• Album: Sleep Is The Enemy
• Label: Aquarius
• Year of Release: 2006
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: MusicCritic on 2011-03-21

Being a Canadian and following Danko Jones is difficult. It's similar to watching an ex-lover go on to fame and fortune without you. You know the situation. For whatever reason you cheated on her or screwed things up, it's a few years later and her face is plastered all over some billboard and she’s off living the high life and won’t return your calls. Same thing with Danko. The band is now a staple on the Western European rock scene and their previous album, We Sweat Blood, is gaining major buzz in the States. Still you can't help but wish Danko would just kiss and make up - return to Canada and give all the haters their just deserts.

Sleep is the Enemy builds on the intensity of We Sweat Blood. The band is still filled with the same blood, spit and raw energy that garnished them acclaim as a powerful live act in the clubs of Canada. J's bass lines and Damon's powerful drumming are as tightly woven as ever. Still, it's Danko's gut-wrenching and soulful lyrics that are the core of the record. Case in point: on 'Invisible' Danko screams – "I'll rip my eyes just for you / I'll slash my wrist just for you / I'll break my dick off just for you / I'll make my momma cry!" A lesser singer couldn't even toy with such subject manner, but this is the Mango Kid, the Mocha Moses. He's a street preacher and when the lyrics spew from his venomous mouth you want to join his crusade to win back his woman.

On Sleep, the band expands further on their sound. 'Invisible' includes backing vocals from John Garcia of Kyuss, while the vindictive 'Time Heals Nothing' begins with an eerie drum sample. Will these new changes break the boys in the States? If the southern masses are willing to succumb to the rawk gospel according to Danko – you bet it will. Songs like 'Baby Hates Me,' 'She’s Drugs,' and 'Time Heals' are nothing but pure fire, soul and rock. While Sleep is the Enemy is not a classic like Born a Lion, it is a little more Danko to tide you over until the boys reinvade their homeland.

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