Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell Reacts To AC/DC Replacing Singer

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Alice In Chains singer/guitarist Jerry Cantrell discussed AC/DC replacing Bon Scott with Brian Johnson in a new Amoeba Music video.

“My favorite straight up rock and roll band of all time, AC/DC, Highway to Hell. Unfortunately, Bon passed away, but they moved on strongly with Back in Black, which is another hugely inspirational record to me, with Brian Johnson. Love this record, Highway to Hell, Girls Got Rhythm, Walk All Over You, Night Prowler is still one of my all time favorite songs.”

Alice In Chains had a similar experience to AC/DC, with William DuVall stepping in to replace Layne Staley a few years after his death and releasing Black Gives Way to Blue, which ironically enough also had ‘Black’ in its title, much like Back in Black.

Cantrell also called Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi “one of (his) biggest influences.” He also recalled how Ozzy went on to give AIC one of their biggest breaks as an opener on the original “No More Tours” tour back in 1992. Cantrell also gives a mention to Dimebag Darrell, and grabbed a Judas Priest coffee mug that reminds him of the late Pantera co-founder before showcasing The Beatles’ Abbey Road, explaining the band’s “artistic output put out in such a short amount of time is just amazing to me.”

2018 has been one of a hell busy year for The Blankz. The year kicked off with the release of the insanely catchy and fantastic “White Baby” and now The Blankz have released their fourth 7 inch single, “(It’s a) Breakdown”. One characteristic about the modern-day punk masters is that they have an undeniable knack for crafting wicked punk songs that not only please classic punk rock fans but really put an original, fresh spin on the style of rock.

“(It’s a) Breakdown” benefits from the same wicked sharp lyric writing of front man Tommy Blank. A theme that runs throughout their recent stretch of fantastic lyrics is an undeniable serving of sardonic humor as well as inventive metaphors and brilliant runs of word play. The Blankz don’t mess around in this regard. They go for the throat and waste no time getting there.

There’s a lot to love about The Blankz but for me, I think they succeed at the highest level possible when they waste no time getting to the chorus. This band knows how to write an instantly catchy chorus. Between the sweet melodies and the awesome lyrics, it’s a win-win combination. On (It’s a) Breakdown”, the chorus attacks in at a brisk twenty seconds into the song. In the chorus, Blank asks, “Channel up or channel down? It’s a break down. Hang myself or hang around? It’s a breakdown.”

A consistent highlight to The Blankz musical onslaught is the fantastic usage of the synthesizer by Nikki Blank. The spooky synths sit high in the mix and continually add a real unexpected piece of bliss to the overall tracks. Nikki Blank never puts the throttle to the floor yet swoops in and out at the exact right moment; unselfishly pushing to serve the song rather than show off. This crucial element is The Blankz’ secret weapon.

The Golden Age of punk may be long gone but if The Blankz continue this impressive, consistent streak of great songs, you would have a hard time not believing that they’re are the leaders of the modern-day movement. Courtesy of Slope Records, “(It’s a) Breakdown” is a must listen for fans of punk and fans of The Blankz!