Saliva set up camp at the crossroads where post-grunge met nü-metal, and it’s where they’ve built their home. Their new album, Breaking Through (Judge And Jury Records), is a continuation of anthem level riffs, commercial radio hooks, and lyrics that appeal to the challenges of disgruntled youth.
Themes of nostalgia, a haunting past, and taking chances are rife in the lyrical content, while towering guitars and a booming low end define Saliva’s most recent effort. Sonic polish doesn’t make this rock record any less dangerous, as it’s more like a glistening knife.
Opening with “Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts,” Saliva looks to kick things off with an aggressive statement. The opening guitars are colossal in terms of sound, and breathe in such a way that I felt it opened with the strongest possible hook that’s still stuck in my head. The lyrics bounce in a way that borders on the rap-rock roots of nü-metal.
“Cope” tells a few fragmented stories about kids who struggle just to exist under the social pressures of the schoolyard and streets. The chorus begs, “Help me cope,” which seems so far out of reach for the kids described in the verses. The guitars pull back from the assault of the opening track to offer something more sentimental.
Guitars on “Too Broke To Fix” carry a tone and distortion that feels so dirty I need a shower. Mix of electronic drums during transitional moments to live drums compliment the dynamics in ways that are pure ear candy.
The title track, “Breaking Through” sounds like a standout radio single on an album of accessible songs. “I’m breaking through, though I’m barely holding on…I’d give anything to feel whole again,” is a relatable line for anyone trying to continue on while living with regret.
“Edge Of A Knife” uses the blade as a mirror to reflect on personal failures before lashing out in anger. This composition is tight, concise, and full of hooks that lifts it up to the potential of a possible radio single.
“Fight Of My Life” is full of guitar hooks and a chant that offers a live audience the opportunity to participate. This song brings about the return of the aggression first heard on the opening track.
There are more guitar hooks on “Sin City Mistress” that I can’t ignore. The rhythms are bouncy and fun in a way that will get crowds moving. There’s a guitar solo here that takes me back to what I miss about most modern hard rock. The leads and rhythms work together so well on this song.
“Weird” is a look at romance where the lyrics are indirect and send mixed messages to the potential lover. Ambient electronics compliment the guitars that stimulates an atmosphere of disconnect, a compliment to the lyrical conundrum.
The album concludes with “Longshot,” which is carried by an undertone of country twang. It’s an interesting pivot to end things on, but it feels like fresh air all the same.
Saliva’s new record has all the bells and whistles of contemporary radio rock, and there’s no doubt more than a couple of these songs will end up in heavy rotation in the near future.
Breaking Through isn’t going to reinvent the wheel, but it is a solid continuation of a band that’s doing the work and standing the test of time.
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Tracklist
Hit 'Em Where It Hurts
Too Broke To Fix (feat. Austin John Winkler)
Breaking Through
Rivers
Peace Of Mind
Fight Of My Life
Sin City Mistress
Last Goodbye
Weird
Longshot (feat. Lynyrd Skynyrd)
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