Tango Down has been in the game for the long haul with their 6th release and latest offering “This is Gonna Hurt” finally upon us. After their prior release “Bulletproof” in 2016 fans have been waiting patiently for a new album. Well, no more waiting as it’s finally out now!

“This is Gonna Hurt”, the title track, opens the album and I have to say it isn’t may favorite track on the album. I know record label head honcho, John Kivel, had said that originally the new album was to be titled “6” (for the bands 6th album) but after hearing “This Is Gonna Hurt” it was decided that it would also be the album name. It’s not a bad track by any stretch but I just wasn’t blown away with it but not to worry because I was blown away with the next track. “Fantasy” is about as perfect as a melodic hard rock track as you can get. I absolutely love the chorus as this song is catchy as hell and has the nice addition of subtle keyboards added into the mix!

“Scream” continues with melodic hard rock bliss with a bit more edge on the guitars and some great harmony vocals. I have always liked lead singer Chas West’s voice and was extremely impressed with his other band West Bound and their 2019 release so it’s certainly nice to hear his vocals again on a new Tango Down record as this is now his 2nd album with the band.

“Lying To Myself” is the obligatory mid-paced rocker and it’s a good one! West sounds ace on this track as he sings in a slightly lower register and the added keyboards make this another melodic winner while “Nobody Gets Out Alive” cranks things back up with a chugging guitar riff from Scott Miller on this old-fashioned arena rocker. “Standing Tall” is another rocker that sounds straight out of 1989! It has that certain throw-back attitude that brings me back to the days on Sunset Strip in a way. Great stuff that is accentuated with a chunky production and great guitar solo.

Tango Down brings the moody semi-ballad in the likes of “Until We Meet Again”. It’s a smooth track with a nice arrangement and some nice guitarwork from Miller and heartfelt vocals from West. The next track is something a bit different as “Forget What You Know” brings some different sounds from the band. I love the heavy guitar riff and bass line laid down by Axel K. Gessner over the pounding drums of Keith Michaels. This is a really cool track with some cool and different production sounds. Another winner of a song!

“Let It Go” is up next with and this is a flat-out Dokken-styled rocker with melodic chorus and good old-fashioned gang style background vocals. The album ends with “Dirty Penny” and I have to say it’s another track that didn’t quite grab my attention like the rest of the album did.

All in all, “This Is Gonna Hurt” from Tango Down is a more than welcome return featuring some of the bands most impressive songs to date. “Fantasy” might be one of the most infectious songs of the year while several others are right up there too.
Welcome back Tango Down!