For me it’s always been about the songs when it comes to ENUFF Z’NUFF. For that reason the new album “Dissonance” is a marked improvement over the groups previous album “?” (2004). Although it seems that the days of “Strength” are gone they certainly aren’t far behind when you put a record like “Dissonance” up against it.

The band, which is recently reunited with original singer Donnie Vie, sound urgent right from the first cords of title track “Dissoance” which opens the album. The song is more in the modern vein as the band has sounded in the recent past but the group sounds hungry and more passionate again, more so than anything heard on the “?” CD that’s for sure. Also added into the mix on this record are the guitars of JAKE E. LEE (ex-OZZY OSBOURNE, BADLANDS), who helped out the band in the studio for the recording of the new record.

“Lazy Dazy” follows the lead track with a more modern riff-based vibe. The vocals of Vie are in fine shape and his JOHN LENNON-esque tone has always been a key point for the group.

Tracks like “Joni Lynn” which harkens back to the bands “Strength” sound and “High” are more strong points in a record chock full of quality tunes.

“Rollaway” is possibly one of the best ENUFF Z’NUFF tracks to come along since the bands early days and as any good EZN song does it makes you get lost within it. I can think of a few BEATLES songs that make me feel that way and these guys have always been able to capture that vibe on their best work. That to me is a sign of a great songwriting team just like Lennon & McCartney were.

The record—which is a limited edition of a proper release that is forthcoming—ends with “Chicago” which features Chip Z’Nuff taking over on lead vocals and although the songs a little bit of a different sound sonically than the rest of record it works and is a fitting end to the CD. I wonder if the band will add any tracks to the record when it’s finally released properly because at nine tracks it really make you want to hear more.

ENUFF Z’NUFF has never really put out a horrible album—and even the worst EZN record, which is better than the average bands best work has it’s high points just due to the fact these guys know how to write a song. But “Dissonance” is certainly a very high point in the bands career so far. So look for this record when it is properly released in the coming months and hopefully this group will finally get even just a small amount of the accolades it deserves someday.