I heard Nuke The Soup years ago and was instantly a fan! This band had such a contagious vibe with a signature sound that I immediately gravitated toward. I can honestly say Nuke The Soup didn’t miss a beat and if anything got better with time on the new release titled ‘Dancing On The Edge’.
This new record was produced by Grammy-winner Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel, Elvis Costello) and Gerry “Spooky Ghost” Leonard (David Bowie). The album features established musicians, including bandleader Mark Davison, keyboardist Brian Simms, guitarist Gerry Leonard, bassist Mike Mennell, and drummers Chester Thompson and John Thomakos. ‘Dancing On The Edge’ includes 11 songs and each one has its own identity. The rock & roll spirit is there with killer melodics to boot making this album a must listen and must have!
“Biggest Storm” kicks things off and it’s safe to say an infectious hook is brewing right out of the gates. Catchy notes and just a super cool sound is pouring out of your speakers making “Biggest Storm” a powerful start. It seems “Everybody’s Working” on the next number and Nuke The Soup can do no wrong! I’m feeling this one and its pleasing vibe as you will want to sing along to “Everybody’s Working” whether you like it or not. Get ready to “Jump In” because Nuke The Soup is all charged up and ready to go! “Jump In” is the flavor of the day that will delight your musical palette with its delicious taste. Track four, “Lost On You”, supplies an emotional tone & touch that grabs you and keeps you engaged throughout the entirety of the song. Nuke The Soup is guiding you along on “House Lights” where nothing can be detected as dim or dull here. Nuke The Soup is lighting up your ears & mind with a comforting sensation that engulfs you from head to toe on “House Lights”. Nuke The Soup is in the driver’s seat, in control and driving it home with conviction on “I Ride Alone”. An enriching and satisfying journey awaits you on “I Ride Alone”, so just buckle up and enjoy the ride. Lessons are learned and lives are affected as we listen attentively to “My Angel Does”. We are moving on and heading in a “Positive Direction” next where everything flows along perfectly and the audience witnesses musical precision. Nuke The Soup is serving up a sunny side up tune that will perk up your senses on “Big Wave Dave”. Catch all the musical rays and soak in the goodness as “Big Wave Dave” is shining bright and making a BIG splash with listeners. I can see “Big Wave Dave” hitting the airwaves and getting a ton of traction due to its likability factor. Track 10, “Turning of the Tide”, is melodically sound, so jump on it because the water’s fine! We don’t have all the answers, but we can certainly live and let live and love life, so just sit back and ease your mind to the relaxing sounds of “Turning of the Tide”. Nuke The Soup is going out with a bang on the title track “Dancing on the Edge”. An incredibly catchy hook will appeal to many on “Dancing on the Edge” making this a standout track, so why not take it for a spin!
These songs come from a special place and especially personal to bandleader Mark Davison. This record was written and recorded during a span of two years and during a time when Mark lost both his parents. It goes to show that even out of sorrow and heartache, something beautiful can still manifest itself and that is ‘Dancing on the Edge’ in all its glory.
By Jimmy Rae
