Denman: ‘The Life We Live’

DENMAN
THE LIFE WE LIVE
Released in January 2017 (Denman)

Review:
For fans of the rock music of yesteryear, the modern glam scene is often a bit of a mixed bag. There are many great bands, but for better or worse, none of them are quite as authentic as the bands of the ’70s or ’80s, depending on your preference. A band like Crashdïet will have an ’80s edge, but will be a bit more punk and modern than a real ’80s glam band. A band like Lipstick will have some ’80s influences in its sound, but will go in weird musical and visual directions that a band like Quiet Riot would never venture to. Even bands like The Tip, with amazing rock n’ roll swagger, are still more bluesy than a true ’80s glam band would ever be. While these bands are carrying the torch for the hard rock of the ’80s in their own way, some more than others, none of them really feel like an ’80s band because they all decided to take a slightly different direction than their influences.

Denman is the band for people who want a 100% ’80s sounding band from the modern generation. Everything about Denman sounds pure ’80s. Denman‘s music sounds like it was released in 1987, and you’d never guess it was original music from 2017. Everything from the guitar tone, drum production, gang vocals, songwriting and lyrical content are pure hair metal without the slightest bit of modern or outside influence. They do have some thrashier tendencies, being big fans of bands like Metallica and Megadeth, but make no mistake: this is a hair metal band first and foremost.

The band’s first EP, The Life We Live, showcases the intense talents of the band immaculately. Denman is led by brothers Ben and Dakota Denman, both of whom share dual lead-guitar duties, though Dakota is more often described as the lead guitarist of the group. Ben, however, also pulls double-duty as the band’s vocalist, so the fact that he takes a slight back-seat to Dakota is not because of any technical limitations but due to the responsibilies as a vocalist. The band is rounded out by Robbie Crede on bass and Ted Karol on drums, both who fill their roles fantastically. Denman is a very technically skilled band, rivalling a prog band in terms of musicianship.

It’s hard to put a finger on who Denman sound exactly like. Guitar wise, the brothers are like a mix of Zakk Wylde and Paul Gilbert. Vocally, Ben‘s vocals are a little bit lower and more baritone than the average hair metal band. However, it still sounds like an authentic ’80s vocal. The album, produced by the legendary Michael Wagener, sounds as ’80s as the first Skid Row album, and even features a cameo from Mark Slaughter. The songwriting is exactly what’d you expect from a slightly heavier glam band of the era. There are some slight thrash influences, but for the most part, it’s wild hair metal guitars and big vocal hooks making for catchy songs about driving fast, partying, and women.

If you’re looking for some new music that sounds exactly like the 1980s, then you will want to buy this EP. There isn’t a band out there right now that sounds more ’80s than Denman. If you’re looking for a fresh and new take on glam, then you won’t find much here, as all of the territory Denman treads is very familiar without many creative left-turns. However, what Denman does, they do extremely well, and arguably better than anyone else on the scene out there. All in all, Denman is a great band and is essential listening for any fan of 1980s hard rock and metal.

Track List:
01. The Life We Live
02. One Night Love
03. Miles Away From Home (featuring Mark Slaughter)
04. High Heels And Leather
05. Wild In The Streets

Band Members:
Ben Denman – lead vocals, lead guitar
Dakota Denman – lead guitar
Robbie Crede – bass
Ted Karol – drums

Additional Musicians:
Mark Slaughter – backing vocals (3)

Production:
Produced by Michael Wagener

Band Websites:
Official Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Reviewed by Greg Troyan of Lipstick for Sleaze Roxx, October 2017

Denman‘s “Miles Away From Home’ (featuring Mark Slaughter) video;

Denman – Miles Away From Home (feat. Mark Slaughter) Official Video

First video from ‘The Life We Live’ EP. Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Michael Wagener EP AVAILABLE AT: denmanrocks.com

Denman‘s “High Heels And Leather” song:

Denman ‘High Heels and leather’

New single from Nashville’s ‘Denman’. Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by the Legendary Michael Wagener! Full EP available for download at denmanrocks.com

Denman‘s “The Life We Live” unofficial video:

The Life We Live (Un-official Video)

The Life We Live (Unofficial Video)EP Available at denmanrocks.com