'Tuned In' review: Van Halen shreds with few hooks on 'A Different Kind of Truth'

Van Halen's back with "A Different Kind of Truth," and why not?

Those who miss the halcyon days of guitar rock are likely curious about the new release from the legendary band that shares its name with its guitarist. And Eddie Van Halen is on fire here, harking back to a time when people would talk about "axe shredding" with a straight face.

There's also a return of the clownish mouthpiece David Lee Roth, appearing on his first Van Halen album since 1984. Unfortunately, the payoff from Roth isn't so great. ...

"A Different Kind of Truth" features fresh impressions on the group's unrecorded material and ideas from the 1970s, before the band was knocking out major hit singles. Despite his recent years of personal and professional turmoil, Eddie Van Halen, 57, makes a brilliant return to the fold. He blows out squealing solo after squealing solo, peeling off on instrumental tangents that would thrill a packed arena. Van Halen's interpretations of sludge rock ("Tattoo"), speed metal ("China Town," "As Is") and bar blues ("Stay Frosty") owe everything to the guitarist.

However, although "A Different Kind of Truth" is an oasis of energy and electricity, it's also a wasteland of hooks. And with serviceable refrains — as well as humor — in short supply, the charismatic Roth isn't given much to do except sing rotely, yelp from time to time, and occasionally mumble in deep tones ("Told ya I was coming back," he claims during a break in the track "Blood and Fire").

The maximum output of Eddie Van Halen and the under-utilization of Roth are essentially a wash, though listeners who favor Team Eddie or Team David will be rewarded or disappointed, respectively.

Still, anyone who was jumping around to Van Halen in the 1970s and/or 1980s should get a charge out of "A Different Kind of Truth," even if it feels more like a class reunion than going back to school — a bit uncomfortable, and you might want to duck out early.

Meanwhile, those who weren't around for those original waves of Van Halen fever are unlikely to catch it now.

Rating: 3-1/2 stars (out of five)

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