Is Nirvana's drummer a metal mutha? Let Duck explain

The Lowdown: Ex Nirvana sticksman returns from his guest drumming spot with Queens of the Stone Age to release fourth Foo Fighters album.

Dave Grohl, former member of the most important band of the 90s is now a star in his own right with Foo Fighters. Grohl isn't the drummer here of course, it's his band, and he is responsible for song writing, guitar and vocals. Fans of the Foo Fighters will not be disappointed as Grohl delivers the familiar mix of pop and grunge expected. Those who have maybe overlooked the Foo Fighters in the past could be drawn in by the albums harder edge.

Word on the street was that this album would be a departure from previous Foo's material, Grohl minded to make something darker and heavier than usual after his sabbatical spent with Queens of the Stone Age. But this is really not the case, you can here a slight influence from QOTSA in places, and the sound is tougher, more metal and less pop than previously, but overall Grohl and band stick to what they know best. The album opens with "All my Life", the first hit and it's definitely a contender for their best ever single. It's a great anthem in the familiar start soft, end up shouting style that grunge loves so much. You can certainly hear the influence of Josh Homme and co here, and all the better for it. The next couple of tracks are capable rockers in likable Foo Fighters style that fly past in no time. Second single and most pop song here "Times like these" is next. This is the problem with Foo Fighters case in point; the track is just too commercial for most metal fans, and just not commercial/cheesy enough for Adult Rock/Bon Jovi fans. The band seems to fall between two stools, but somehow they still manage to command a large and loyal following. Surely this following can't solely be made up of Nirvana devotees? If it is I wonder what some of the more circumspect among them really think of songs like this when stood beside such uncompromising music as that contained on "Bleach" or "In Utero".

That said, and the odd pop number aside, there is some great rock music on here. The double hit of "Disenchanted Lullaby" and "Tired of you" packs a more substantial punch. "Lullaby" starts out with a guitar figure that sounds not unlike the opening phrase from AC/DC's "Overdose" building to a satisfyingly raucous chorus. "Tired of you" starts slow and remains so, an effecting chugging semi-ballad. "Lonely as you" is another track where QOTSA can be heard, although it starts off like a latter day Beatles, before revealing a quirky bass heavy chorus with descending riff and angelic backing vocals clearly reminiscent of "Songs for the Deaf". The album does fade slightly towards the end, with more introspective songs, although last track "Come Back" possesses a memorable chorus and lovely relaxed mid-section and at least reaches for epic status. Maybe these are the ones the diehards like!

All in all a powerful, if mainstream, rock record from Foo Fighters, which is slightly harder than previous releases. I'd say if you're not a fully committed fan then this is the album to own. But one can't help getting the feeling that Dave Grohl has something more substantial inside he wants to get out. It's not on this album, maybe next time.

Further Listening: Nirvana "In Utero", Queens of the Stone Age "Songs for the Deaf".

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