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- SOLD OUT! - Ok Bruce Kulick fans, the time is here! The highly anticipated Bruce Kulick solo EP, "Audio Dog," is now available here on Bruce's website, Kulick.net! "Audio Dog" features 4 blistering tracks: "Pair of Dice" * "Strange To Me" * "Change is Coming" and "495." The first and last tracks are instrumentals, and the middle two tracks feature Bruce on vocals like you have never heard before! The track "495" is a bonus track that will not appear on the upcoming full length "Audio Dog" CD release. Each copy of the "Audio Dog" EP will be individually autographed and numbered by Bruce, with the pressing of the EP limited to only 1000 copies. |
From: Janet Harris Nunn (PLAN8JAN8)
Bruce Kulick fans have enjoyed melodic and astounding guitar playing for decades. Whether audiences listened to Kulick's imaginative and fresh riffs as a budding guitarist in BLACKJACK, or to his progressive and pungent tones throughout his twelve year tenure in KISS, or to his provacative and meaningful licks within UNION, one element in his music has always remained steadfast: perpetually solid and emotionally powerful Rock 'N Roll. After contributing over 30 years of his life to music, Bruce Kulick has finally given his fans and the music world the ultimate gift: A SOLO ALBUM. For years, Bruce fanatics have been anxiously awaiting the release of a record that focuses on Kulick's personal works. Now with the fated delivery of AUDIODOG -- a four-song limited EP "teaser" -- the wait is happily over.
AUDIODOG opens with the song "Pair Of Dice", an exciting and addictive musical wager that is worth it's weight in gold. From the first thumping notes of the bass to the harmonious strides of the lead guitar, the listener is warned that Kulick isn't playing any games. Before one realizes it, the hook-filled "chorus" rolls inside the ear, finds a warm cozy spot in the head, and nestles deep inside the brain. Abundant in rich tones and skillful phrasing, the only risky gamble at stake is trying to resist it's addictive power. The listener's best bet is to sit back and allow "Pair Of Dice" to rotate again and again, with each roll coming out a winner.
"Strange To Me" is an upbeat and fun tune that offers great lead vocals by Kulick. With confident and uninhibited expression, Bruce successfully mixes a sweet and steady 60's-style voice with the thrusting urgency of his modern-day guitars. Pushed by the ever-pressing beats of UNION drummer Brent Fitz, Bruce warmly sings: "I wanna be inside her arms/ Should I be falling for her charms/ Oh, the way she moves, I lose control/ And for her touch I'd give my soul". Kulick's melodic guitar solo is performed at lightning speed, which once again propels the song to a higher level. Lead by a charming voice, "Strange To Me" is the perfect balance of rousing yet playful Rock 'N Roll.
Dark crunchy guitars and positive lyrics about life become the essence of AUDIODOG's third track, "Change Is Coming". Bruce's colorful, bold, and confident vocals compliment the tune's encouraging words, "You know what you need/ It all comes right down to your beliefs/ Do you believe in yourself?/ (Because) Change Is Coming/ Change Is Coming". Kulick's guitar solo stridently shrieks beautiful and piercing screams, howls, and cries... reminiscent of songs like "Domino" and "Unholy" from KISS' 1992 album, REVENGE. Brent Fitz, one of the most musical drummers of our time, provides classic "fitzisms" of sporadic beats and rhythmic pummels throughout the song. His melodious, intentional, and purposeful pelts add great musicality to the tune. With a cohesion of self-assuring lyrics and contemporary sounds, "Change Is Coming" is a UNION-Meets-KISS type musical marvel.
AUDIODOG's fourth and final track is "495", an accelerated and wild ride written by Bruce earlier in his songwriting career. Inspired by New York's Interstate 495, Kulick's vision of fast travel and honking horns comes alive in this unbelieveable instrumental that is embodied by swift guitars and fueled by vigorous energy. Bruce's lead guitar soars with a handsome and radiant tone, while Brent's incomparable double pedaling kicks the song into high gear. "495" is a sharp, agile, and invigorating Rock vehicle. If the listener isn't moving by the first few passages, then one is simply out of gas.
The release of this limited EP brings fans one step closer to experiencing the real music that lives inside the heart and soul of guitarist Bruce Kulick. AUDIODOG provides just a glimpse of the masterful talents of this first-rate virtuoso, all the while proving that Kulick's solo album has been worth the wait. Inside the realms of BLACKJACK, KISS, and UNION, Bruce Kulick has graced the world for decades with his melodic, peerless, and passionate music. AUDIODOG is a beautiful honorarium as he continues his amazing career for decades to come.
From: Jim Collins
Okay, before I start, I have to tell you where I'm coming from. I'm a 30 year fan of Grand Funk Railroad and to be honest, I just got turned on to Bruce when he joined Grand Funk. Man, have I been missing something! This cat can COOK! On to Audiodog. The first track, Pair of Dice, is a straight out power rock instrumental. This is straight down the road, hard driving rock and roll that will blow your hair straight back and nail your butt to the wall! Strange To Me has more of a radio tune feel but still rocks. Bruce has a great voice. He should sing more often. Change Is Coming is another great vocal number. Very wild guitar work on this one. As a Grand Funk fan, it reminds me a lot of Mark Farner's "controlled distortion" that he liked to use in concert in the early days. 495 is another instrumental. I swear this song starts out exactly like Grand Funk's Footstompin' Music. That was spooky (g). This is a great jam tune. If you don't tap yur foot with this one, you have no soul (g). Bottom line is, when Audiodog comes out in it's full version, RUN don't walk to your nearest music outlet and BUY IT! This is rock and roll at it's finest. Bruce, welcome to Grand Funk. I hope you stay for a long, long time but whatever you choose, you've made a fan of me for good!
From: Michael Edwards
Before I start my review of Bruce Kulick's new Audiodog EP, I suppose I should state for the record that this is a totally biased review, seeing as how I run his fan club and all! However, if I didnít like it, I would have just remained silent and not said anything at all - something my mom taught me long ago! With that out of the way, let's go to track one, "Pair of Dice." This song, an instrumental, is probably the most "Kiss-like" of anything on the disc, and has a really great groove. Being an instrumental and that Bruce isnít named Satriani or Johnson, it probably would never get on radio without vocals, but itís still a fun, rocking track that everyone who has ever bought a Kiss album should enjoy. "Strange To Me" is a cool track about a girl who likes Bruce, which seems, you guessed it, strange to him. A great vocal from Bruce here, with a driving hook that reminds me a bit of the main riff from Hot In The Shade's "Betrayed."
My favorite tune is next and it begins with a trick previously employed on "Do Your Own Thing" from Union's Blue Room album and "Hate" from Kissí Carnvial of Souls - lots of noise and feedback! "Change Is Coming" quickly kicks in though, and I can imagine it as a powerful opening number for a live show or as a great opening track for the full-length CD. Bruce's singing here is different from anything weíve heard him do, and itís apparent heís come a long way since singing "I Walk Alone" with his eyes closed every night! The song would fit in great in a Union set list (which Iím not giving up hope weíll see again one day) and could also be quite popular on modern rock radio if given the chance.
Before I go on to the next track, I think it's important to point out that the reason some of these songs sound like Kiss songs is because, whether some people are willing to admit it or not, Bruce Kulick was a major influence on Kissí sound from the day he joined the band. It also shows that several of their songs seem to be missing a writing credit next to the P$ and G$. Bruce, to me, is as big a part of what made Kiss great as Gene or Paul, but unfortunately people seem to notice flash over substance. Okay, enough ranting (and believe me, I could go on for a LONG time about that subject) - the last song on the EP is the instrumental "495," and I hesitate to say too much about it since I understand it may not be on the full-length album. A lot of you may have heard this at various Kiss conventions and expos over the past few years, but if you havenít, let me just put it this way - this song will inspire even the most stoic and jaded person to begin playing air guitar like a twelve year-old. It was not only responsible for yours truly doing such, it also, due to my stereo being turned up VERY loud, caused a vase on top of one of my speakers to break all over my living room floor. Thanks Bruce!
Well, that about wraps it up for this short little taste of what is to come from the big dog himself in April. I'm sure Joe gave it his paw-print of approval, and Iím doing the same. Since the disc is sold out, I canít say be sure to get one of your own, but I can assure you that, from this preview, the full-length disc will be among your favorites of the year when you get a chance to hear it in a month or so!
From: Freaky Deaky
All's I can say is Holy Smokes can Bruce sing!!! Strange To Me is killer!!! Change Is Coming could have been on Carnival of Souls!!! And the 2 instrumentals are not too shabby either!!! Way to go Bruce!!!!!!
From: Dennis Riendeau
Bruce really rocks on all four EP tracks but I like the two instrumental tracks the best. He has definitely improved his singing since COS (not that he did a bad job on 'I Walk Alone') but the instrumentals feature Bruce doing what he does best. I can't wait to hear the full CD.
From: Eddie Helms
Audio Dog is a must-have cd. Bruce has improved his singing alot since Carnival Of Souls. The whole thing rocks and I personally can't wait for the full-length album. My only complaint is that there should be vocals on all the songs, but I'm just not a big fan of instrumentals to begin with. I met Bruce in '99 and 2001 and I hope he has a huge success with this album. He's a great guitar player and a really cool guy.
From: Tim Larew
Went to the expo in indyand picked up Audio Dog. This is a must have Audio Disc! Most excellent guitars and very surprising vocals. Bruce I had no idea! I was at the expo in Indy, Bruce played a couple of other songs called "Liar" and "Skydome", sure hope those make it on the new disc. The GFR situation sounds very promising, hope to catch one of those shows. You will not be dissapointed with Audio Dog, so grab a copy if you get the chance and blow the dust off your speakers! My ears THANK YOU Mr. Bruce!
From: Rich Gagnon
I was lucky enough to be one of the first ones to hear audiodog. I got to listen to it as we were setting up for the Indy expo. When I first heard track one (PAIR OF DICE)I knew this was going to be BIG. Track three (CHANGE IS COMING)is a straight forward hard edged guitar driven kick in the ass. To keep it short and sweet this is a must have for all Bruce Kulick fans, If you have not got yours already then order it today. I got my copy right off the bat because I knew they would not last long. If this is just a intro to the full length album then put my copy of the full length on order now because I am ready and waiting. Thanks Bruce for all the great music of the past and if this is a hint of whats to come then I feel your are at your zenith.
From: Craig Clingan
WOW! Just got done listening to the AUDIODOG EP. Even though there are only 4 songs, I was sweating by the time it ended. The first and last cuts, "PAIR OF DICE" and "495", are instrumentals that are great jams. The type you really want to be careful listening to in your car, unless of course you like driving 90. STRANGE TO ME is an excellent song. Bruce's vocals are deep, sounds a lot like Ian Moore, another excellent guitarist. The beat almost reminds me of the late 60's, early 70's "flower-power" days. He gets a few good licks in towards the end of the song. Remember the commercial where the guy sits in his chair in front of his stereo and the music slides his glass off the table and blows his hair back? Well, I'm pretty sure he was listening to CHANGE IS COMING. Bruce lets it all hang out on this one. I'd love to see him play this live. Another solid vocal performance though all parts of this song are shadowed by his guitar. Man, this guy can jam! I must say the other musicians are excellent as well, in particular the bass and drums on 495. A must have if you can get your hands on a copy!! Bruce, YOU ROCK! Thank you for being a part of GFR! See you at the Palace!
From: Gary Garbett, editor, KISSIN' Time, USA
Bruce Kulick, known for his years as the guitar standout with KISS, has always been a well crafted musician but with his current release of Audio Dog, Bruce has clearly evolved to another level. The new EP brings to the forefront a matured guitarist full of edge, texture and attitude. Kulick's guitar playing shines throughout with a rich electric jazz-rock style that is certainly a signature all his own. The songs "Pair Of Dice" and "495" are both outstanding instrumental numbers showcasing the maturity of Kulick's playing style. Kulick's sound is amazingly rich and leaves the listener gasping for air at the end of these high speed convertible cruising tunes. "Strange to Me" is a rocker featuring Kulick on great
vocals and highlighted by more incredible guitar work. While "Strange to Me" mirrors a style similar to KISS' Revenge era sound, "Change is Coming" could easily have been a missing gem from Carnival of Souls. The guitar is assaulting and full of energy and Bruce's vocals are easily his best yet. "Change is Coming" is pure rock and roll at it's finest and simply kicks ass. The Limited Edition EP, which happens to come autographed and numbered is a shining jewel from start to finish and leaves the listener charged and ready for more than a sampler. Bring on the full album Bruce, we're ready and from the sound of Audio Dog, you certainly are.
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