In the near-decade since their last album proper, CKY have lost two bassists and two singers, and gained one of the bassists back – all amid more histrionics than a sixth-form Theatre Studies class. The Phoenix (real subtle name, guys) marks the band’s return as a trio, fronted by founding guitarist Chad I Ginsburg, and while Deron Miller’s absence isn’t felt as keenly as one might expect, his spirit looms large in the form of Chad’s impression of him. It’s occasionally distracting – not least Chad’s enunciation of ‘soul’ and ‘control’ on Days Of Self Destruction, which also features Mastodon’s Brent Hinds – but that aside, it’s pretty much business as usual. After all, this isn’t a band who have ever suffered from a riff deficit and the aforementioned Days Of Self Destruction and Lies From You are instantly recognisable as CKY, with their trademark garage-metal stomp. At just eight tracks – one for every year since their last album – there’s no chance for The Phoenix to outstay its welcome, resulting in a surprisingly engaging, fun pop-metal album.
CKY - The Phoenix album review
Jackass-associated weirdos return from the wilderness
![Cover art for CKY - The Phoenix album](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4XMHwsMXhWqRFusYcqgBfe-480-80.jpg)
You can trust Louder
Latest
Watch Gojira in fiery performance at Olympics opening ceremony in Paris
"A heavy and mysterious masterpiece that possesses the mind in a dark and decadent vortex of mystery and wonder": Listen to the soundtrack to Tony Iommi's new perfume
“There are choruses Kurt Cobain would have been proud to write, vocal harmonies that could be Teenage Fanclub at their most sublime.” Dublin's next break-out band, Thumper, preview their killer new album at thrilling London show