HURTSMILE’S debut CD is self-titled and is such a diverse combination of music and lyrics that at times, one may think they are listening to a completely different band from one song to the next.

Gary Cherone former EXTREME/VAN HALEN vocalist hand-picked HURTSMILE’S members and included one of his favorite song writer’s and guitar players, his brother Mark Cherone . The band also includes Joe Pessia former DRAMAGODS/TANTRIC on bass and Dana Spellman on drums.

“Just War Theory” is the first track on the CD “Hurtsmile” . The guitar intro and solos in this song are insane. Gary’s voice is classic ” Cherone” that we all remember from back in the day. The vocals are familiar to the EXTREME days but don’t let that sway your opinion that this is another late 80’s early 90’s re-do. Each song is unique and one tune can’t be fully be compared to another. This CD is “like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get”.

The next track, “Stillborn” is more intense than the first. The guitar riffs are exceptional, Gary is still showing us he hasn’t lost his ability to hit high notes. Then out of nowhere, the third song “Love Thy Neighbor” starts off with this “doo-wop” 50’s chorus and just when you think “ what the …???” the song blasts into more amazing vocals, guitar, drums and bass. The same killer jams continue into “Kaffur” (Infidel). As we enter into the 5th song “Painter, Paint” the whole previous theme drops down to a mellow slow mood. Here is where the diversity I mentioned comes in. This song sounds nothing like the first four. Then hello, meet “Tolerance Song”, the vocals are phenomenal and once again, so is the playing. “Set Me Free” is sultry and though Gary’s voice is original, he almost sounds a bit like Chris Cornell in this one. More great guitar playing, there is a lot of talent in this family they call HURTSMILE .

“Jesus Would You Meet Me” has a toe tapping beat to it and does not sound like it belongs on this CD. It falls under the “now that’s different” category. It’s a catchy tune but kind of has that feeling like someone just shuffled around the chocolates in the “Whitman’s Sampler” box. Slighty out of place and not quite what you asked for but you’re going to eat it anyway. “Slave” takes you right back to the fancy candy. Best tune on “Hurtsmile” thus far. I like the progression in the instruments and more of the same sultry vocals. This song is spicy and hot.

Bringing it down a few notches “Beyond the Garden – Kicking Against the Goads” is a beautiful ballad musically and vocally. Cherone’s voice is smooth as silk. Not hitting as many high notes as the first handful of songs and there is that diversity again. Just when you think this CD can’t be any more of a sundry than it already is track 11 “Just War” (reprise) is done reggae style with an island sound.

Last but not least, the final track “The Murder of Daniel Faulkner” (4699) is a tribute to the Philadelphia Police Officer that was killed in the line of duty in 1981. The “4699” was his badge number. This song is a descriptive homage to a terrible incident and shows much respect. Musically, the tune is slow and the vocals sound a bit like Dylan. Bagpipes mark the finale to the song and the entire CD.

I’m impressed with the CD “Hurtsmile” . Diverse may be an understatement. During the review process and CD must be listened to over and over. I started off liking this CD and after several heeds, I decided to add it to my collection. HURTSMILE is a talented bunch of musicians. The guitar, bass and drums are fantastic, the song writing is fabulous and the vocals are amazing.