CD Review

Since their formation in 1986, Big Head Todd &the Monsters have been living steadfastly on their diet of rock and roll, served with blues, soul, and R &B. Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Park Mohr delivers the goods with humble pizazz, distinguishing the trio as polished recording artists, rather than sullen bar band. With a quick follow up to 2002’s Riviera, Big Head Todd &the Monsters are back with their crunchy guitar rock on Crimes of Passion.

Although many attribute the band’s sound to be recycled, there is no mistaking Mohr’s melodically precise voice makes soft-rockers like “Angela Dangerlove” and “ICU In Everything” into aching odes to lust that embody the lovelorn spirit of the album title. Although these numbers may skim on the verge of adult contemporary, the boys rock out with the dirty guitar boogie of “Dirty Juice” and “Come On” that satisfy their roadhouse tendencies. Mohr cries desperately of hopelessness in “Beauty Queen” when he croons, “Love is a passionate crime, where only the guilty survive. And the innocent they fly away.”

Crimes and Passion fails to pave new ground for the band, but it clearly makes a more concise statement in regards to the trio’s artistic integrity and in-the-pocket songwriting strengths. Long time fans will find this release a welcome addition, as it garners little chance of making the boys something they certainly are not - sellouts.