VAN HALEN play the Air Canada Centre March 17. See listing. Rating: NNNN
Those doubtful about Van Halen’s 12th album, their first since 1984 with – hallelujah! – David Lee Roth back on vocals, and with Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang replacing Michael Anthony on bass, should be reminded that many of its songs were built from old demos and lyrics written in the 70s.
Which is why A Different Kind Of Truth sounds familiar in the best way. Roth is as loopy and fun as ever, especially on bizarro Stay Frosty. (Can someone please make him a judge on one of those singing contests?) Eddie’s guitar leads are head-spinning and exuberant, like on thrill-a-minute China Town, a song also showcasing near-hardcore drumming by brother Alex, who’s on fire throughout the LP.
The songs aren’t all winners. Fifty-six-year-old Roth does his low, talky thing on Honeybabysweetiedoll. Add in his lyrics and age and the effect becomes creepy. (Maybe it always was?) The Trouble With Never, meanwhile, leaves us with the question, “How deep does the rabbit hole go?” Ew.
Top track: China Town
