Sick Puppies formed in Australia well over a decade ago but just recently broke into the U.S. market with their debut album. Tri-Polar is their first post-success record and if it’s any indication of what they have to offer then I think we have a new Rock mainstay on our hands. The album is radio-friendly but not afraid to rock out or take control of the listener’s attention when necessary. While Sick Puppies certainly have slickly produced, radio-friendly, hook heavy commonalities’ with bands like Papa Roach, Hinder, and more recent Our Lady Peace, they somehow manage to set themselves apart from the pack. Much like with Skillet, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what separates Sick Puppies from their contemporaries but there is something in their music that identifies them quickly.
Tri-Polar is a whirlwind of controlled defiance. “You’re Going Down,” “Should’ve Known Better,” and “War” are hard rockers that let the listener know that the band means business and has more to offer than your average Billboard Singles Chart topping ne’er do well. It’s the twisted love song approach of “I Hate You” and the driving “Survive” that define this album though. Each maintains a creative lyric and some interesting hooks that challenge the listeners to go deeper. These songs in particular, as well as the Alice in Chains-tinged “Master of the Universe,” refuse to be relegated to background music and that’s what really elevates this album.
Overall this is a pretty excellent album. At first I felt it was kind of “ho hum” but the more you listen, the more that is revealed and by your third time through Sick Puppies has made their mark. Tri-Polar is an excellent album that should please any fan of good hard rock music.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
