I’ve been listening to THE POODLES new release “Performocracy”, which hits stores May 3, 2011, and something came to mind. Many people always say they’d like to hear a change in direction for a band and when it does come they’re not happy. I always loved the vocals of Jakob Samuel and still do but I feel with “Performocracy” the band does go out on a limb and deliver a good release but there are some slight changes this time around. There are many tasty tunes to be heard and some amazingly brilliant tunes but it will take a few spins for you to get the full effect to make your determination.

The disc opens with a gem called “I Want It All”, bombardments of pure ecstasy sends shivers down my spine when I hear something this good. This song is the magic that keeps THE POODLE fans coming back for more. It has the power that rises to the top with hard driving riffs; at times it’s subtle and nails the elevation at precise moments. I really hope the American’s will wake up and see the light that THE POODLES are a class act and vocalist Jakob Samuel should be given props as a true icon.

“Father To A Son” is another keeper. I feel an anthem and radio-friendly air play on this one. It has a soft side yet breaks the barrier with an amazing chorus. Once again Jakob Samuel is unstoppable and guitarist Henrik Bergqvist will be noticed. If you like a mix of vocal styles between Rick Sanford (LEGS DIAMOND) with some early Mark Slaughter (SLAUGHTER) and has great range then you’re talking Jakob Samuel.

“Cuts Like A Knife” could be the track that sets a fire under peoples asses and makes them take notice of THE POODLES. This will not only bring melodic rock fans, rock fans and other genres together to rejoice as this is just explosive. Listen to Jakob Samuel on this one!

The next couple tracks “As Time Is Passing”, “Love Is All”, and “Your Time Is Now” are good tracks but not highlight tracks or ones that this release will be remembered for.

As I said in the beginning THE POODLES do go out on a limb and you will hear that on “Action!”, it’s more of a “synchronized” song that I feel doesn’t bring any new attention to the release. The next track “Bring Back The Night” has that essence of classic radio tunes of the past and the fun days of music as it kinda has the feel of THE OUTFIELD.

Check out “Vampire's Call” as it’s a true classic. It has that pop that the kiddies are gonna love and sing along too! The killer guitar by Henrik Bergqvist meshes perfectly with bass master Pontus Egberg and drummer Christian Lundqvist who are also highlighted on the track.

“Performocracy” is a good release and one I would listen to again and I hope people will give the CD a listen if they are not familiar with the band. It has some amazing tunes with some very good tracks mixed in, I’m sure you will happy with “Performocracy” as much as I was. Oh and by the way, the bonus track “Don’t Tell Me” is also a good one! Check it out.