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Not so long ago the Donnas were just another relatively unknown band from Bay Area, belting out punk rock for Green Day’s former label Lookout! Fresh out of school and borrowing both their sound and image from punk legends the Ramones, they were just small fish in a sea of similar bands. But upon turning 21 they signed up to an expensive corporate makeover, teamed up with higher profile producers, and grew away from their roots to embrace the old school rock of ACDC. Songs such as old single ‘Take It Off’ were likeable girly twists on rawk n roll Darkness style, but the Donnas seem to have lost the little spark they ever had, and their hearts just aren’t in it for ‘Gold Medal’.The main problem is that the Donnas are so far removed from the rock hedonists they idolise. So what we get here is a totally pointless and watered down reversal of 80’s male rock chauvinism. ‘Fall Behind Me’ sets off like Status Quo before a rapid descent into substandard ‘Rocket Queen’ era Guns n Roses style mockery. ‘Don’t Break Me Down’ is a song built around half an idea, and the less said about the laughable title track the better, although at least its country rockabilly feel is a welcome break in style. ‘Is That All You’ve Got For Me’ is musically sound but ruined by the disastrous rhyming of “free” with “me” (see elsewhere for a particularly cringe-worthy “grave” and “cave”, ouch!). Brett Anderson is really clutching at lyrical straws throughout, and is probably unaware that her audience is also left wondering “Is that it? Just a copy of a copy”.
So all the hand claps, Angus Young style solos and backing vocals are all in the right places, but that’s just not enough. It’s all just too comfortable, measured and, well…pleasant. Your Nan wouldn’t find this in the least offensive, and given their spic and span image it’s tough to believe the Donnas ever go to bed after 11. ‘Gold Medal’ is missing the spark, blood, sweat and tears that it supposes to celebrate. The lack of killer riffs and choruses necessary for a good record are just glossed over with slick production. But I guess that’s the inherent danger when borrowing Avril Lavigne’s producer. This has been done many times before, and far far better too.
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