HURTSMILE - ST (2011)

Extreme and one-time Van Halen front-man, Gary Cherone, is finally on the verge of getting HURTSMILE (his side-project with his brother that began in 2007) off the ground with the release of their debut album next month.
Hurtsmile consists of Gary’s younger brother, Mark, on guitar (once a member of the band Flesh with Nuno Bettencourt’s brother Paul), the Boston fellas Joe Pessia on bass (once a member of Nuno’s Dramagods as well as the guitar player for Tantric), and student of Mike Mangini (former Extreme drummer) Dana Spellman on drums.
Cherone; “Hurtsmile was about returning to my roots, writing a record in my basement, a straight up rock ‘n’ roll record… but it turned out to be more diverse and ambitious than I expected.”

Is it classic Extreme? Van Halen III? Something new entirely?
All and even more.
Although it is filled with a diverse variety of musical styles, it is first and foremost a groovy hard rock record, complete with Gary’s impressive soaring vocals (even though at times he sounds like a completely different person).

The album opens with one of the hardest tracks on the disk; "Just War Theory". It’s a very good, heavy-guitar song and is lyrically reminiscent of the classic Extreme tune 'Rest In Peace', pondering the virtues of war. There is great bass work throughout and a nice lead solo in the middle. This is an extremely high energy, up-tempo rocker and a killer way to kick off the CD.
Interestingly, towards the end of the disk the band reprises this song, choosing a reggae style. Not exactly what you’d expect on a hard rock record, but somehow it works.
"Stillborn", a modern, mid-tempo rocker with heavy guitar tones, evokes mid '90s sounds like Stone Temple Pilots or Alice in Chains but with a glossy color.
"Love Thy Neighbor" starts with a cappella singing (can you say 'More Than Words' ?) before kicking into a cool guitar rhythm.
"Kaffur (Infidel)" is an Extreme III style song but with a serious twist, including processed vocals and an excellent guitar work. The song was inspired by the murder of reporter Daniel Pearl. It questions what it takes to be a martyr and whether or not you would be willing to die for your beliefs. Lyrically, it’s quite disturbing since it is told from the point of view of the murderers.

"Painter Paint" is a little, friendly tender tune. A lovely acoustic piece.
"Tolerance Song" opens with Gary screaming the classic Rodney King quote “Why can’t we all just get along”. It has a heavy guitar riff and, once again, effects on the vocals. It’s an extremely up-tempo song with grungy guitars throughout.
The guitar lead-in that starts "Set Me Free" presumes a hard rocker but then goes mellow before picking back up again towards the end and features the mantra “Save me from myself”. Interesting guitar work here as well.
"Jesus Would You Meet Me" is a very cool church revival song. It’s certainly not hard rock but it’s a great showcase for Gary’s voice. Features an acoustic guitar, complete with hand claps and good vibe.
"Slave" is a typical Extreme song with a strong chorus but then develops into a calm middle section with ambient keyboards. 2 songs in 1. Think 'Extreme III Sides'-part III song.
There’s more than a hint of Zeppelin in "Beyond The Garden", a laid back, relaxed acoustic tune.
The the final cut "The Murder of Daniel Faulkner (4699)" is a fine, acoustic tune with Gary this time channeling Bob Dylan. It’s about the true-life story of a police officer killed in the line of duty, complete with bagpipes at the end. Gary is no stranger to taking on harsh topics, and Hurtsmile is no exception.


Overall, "Hurtsmile" is a very intense and diverse album. Musically, there are definitely parallels with Extreme but less 'funkier'.
The first half of the record is a group of loosely knit songs, while the 2nd half is more conceptually cohesive; an introspective look at the nature of man and the condition of the human heart.
The album is lyrically thought-provoking but not exhausting.
It’s obvious that there is strong chemistry between bothers Mark and Gary. Mark sounds like a guitarist with something to prove. He often eschews guitar flash in favor of creating solid foundations for songs, and when needed, his soloing is intense, with a retro feel.
Fans of Extreme will definitely like it as well as all hard rock fans who have an open mind to different musical tastes and non-traditional arrangements.
Certainly a nice debut album, something different to enjoy.


1. Just War Theory
2. Stillborn
3. Love Thy Neighbor
4. Kaffur (Infidel)
5. Painter Paint
6. Tolerance Song
7. Set Me Free
8. Jesus Would You Meet Me
9. Slave
10. Beyond The Garden/ Kicking Against The Goads
11. Just War Reprise
12. The Murder Of Daniel Faulkner (4699)


Gary Cherone - Vocals
Mark Cherone - Guitars
Joe Pessia - Bass, Mandolin
Dana Spellman - Drums, Percussion


www.myspace.com/hurtsmile
IF YOU LIKE IT, BUY IT !