Bruce Kulick 'BK3' CD Review

Last Updated on Saturday, 09 January 2010 18:59 Written by Dee Haley Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:00

Bruce Kulick 'BK3'

     Bruce Kulick's highly anticipated third solo album will be available on February 2, 2010 and Backstageaxxess.com was fortunate enough to hear the new album in its entirety. BK3 will be released on Twenty 4 Records /Rocket Science Ventures.  Formerly with KISS and currently in Grand Funk Railroad, this axeman has quite a resume.  BK3 was six years in the making and it's a prime example of Bruce's amazing musicianship.
Bruce Kulick was the lead guitarist for KISS from 1984 to 1996 and this CD is a reminder of what an integral part he played during that time. BK3 is a must have for any KISS fan or guitar aficionado.
    The CD starts strong with a track called "Fate" and if you listen to the lyrics, there are some KISS references in there. The unmistakable voice of Gene Simmons (KISS) commands track 2, "Ain't Gonna Die."  The lyrics are lots of fun in this one.  Musically, it's reminiscent of the first track from KISS' Revenge album, "Unholy."  Lyrically, it's a playful promise from Gene Simmons that's he is who he is and he's not going away.  Gene's son, Nick Simmons, is featured on "Hand of the King."
    Bruce's musical diversity makes him like no other.  This CD is exclusive to Bruce in the way that it incorporates different periods of his career.  It sounds like a couple of different bands rolled up in one.  The first half of the CD has heavy guitar licks and a hard rock beat, the guitar heavy sound, however, is consistent during the entire CD and brings it together as a whole. A more prominent acoustic guitar starts off the fifth track, "I'll Survive."  This song slows the pace of the CD, yet continues with multiple layers of guitars and vocals along with solid performances on the bass and the drums.  This is a great mix and the producer deserves to be complimented. This CD transcends from heavy, to bluesy to poppy with "Dirty Girl," featuring Doug Fieger (The Knack).  The placement of songs works very well.  "I'm The Animal" brings the heavy back with Eric Singer (KISS) on drums.  "Between The Lines" is an instrumental that showcases Bruce's talent as he is complemented by the virtuosity of Steve Lukather (Toto).  This is a powerful track with a jazz fusion feel to it.   
    This CD finishes with "Life."  This song has a ...dare I say?... more mature sound to it.  It's a bit folky with orchestral elements.  The optimistic lyrics are pleasantly intertwined with the addition of a flute and the technique of brushes gently stroking the drums. Several guests are featured on this album, giving each song some uniqueness.  The songs incorporate different styles and genres, yet they flow seamlessly from one track to the next with Bruce's dominant guitar licks acting as the common thread. In fact, if you listen to the first and last track back-to-back, you can really hear the difference.  It's a gentle transition, however, so be sure to take the time to listen to this one from start to finish.
 
Track Listing

1. Fate
2. Ain't Gonna Die (featuring Gene Simmons)
3. No Friend Of Mine (featuring John Corabi)
4. Hand of the King (featuring Nick Simmons)
5. I'll Survive
6. Dirty Girl (featuring Doug Fieger)
7. Final Mile
8. I'm The Animal (featuring Tobias Sammet & Eric Singer)
9. And I Know
10. Between The Lines (featuring Steve Lukather)
11. Life