The title is definitely misleading – Cheap Trick proves they are not washed up and are still quite groovy and infectious.
Much like other classic rock bands, Cheap Trick also had some issues with their timekeeper. Aerosmith, The Who, and Iron Maiden, among others, have faced problems with their respective drummers. So, have Cheap Trick faced more than a few complications with their former drummer, Bun E. Carlos? Disagreements with another member of the band led to the acrimonious departure of Carlos in 2010. Daxx Nielsen, son of guitarist Rick Nielsen, has assumed the sticks from then on. Thank god there are musicians’ sons, right Phil Collins?
Bun E. Carlos is still a financial member of the band, even if he doesn’t compose and play with the band anymore. Not a bad deal (similar to that of John Deacon from Queen), when the alternative could be the demise of the band. Or like L.A. Guns, Saxon, or The Quireboys, we could have many versions of the same group. And that is never a good thing.
Fortunately, these rambunctious times have not diminished an iota of the band’s capability to release quality music. This is the fourth release by this revised line-up of the band, after Bang, Zoom, Crazy…Hello (2016), We’re All Right (2017), and In Another World (2021). Their Beatlesque power pop is still bursting out, with no signs of winding down anytime soon. 
They may not be releasing In Colour of Dream Police level albums, but they don’t need to. The band is still confident, cocky, and funny in equal measures, and that comes across on the unbridled energy of these 11 tracks.
For various reasons, many classic bands seem to be plodding the same ground and sounding bland and uninspired in the process. Iron Maiden and AC/DC are prime examples of that predicament. Somehow, Rick Nielsen’s riffs and solos continue to exude his boyish charm. Tom Petersson’s bass lines are as confident and precise as ever. Daxx keeps the rhythm nice and giddy. Robin Zander keeps singing with unshakable confidence and passion. Enough to make guys half his age green with envy.
The energy and liveliness don’t feel contrived or forced, not even for a second of these eleven tracks. The music flows with such ease that it’s easy to overlook the fact that these guys are in their seventies. Except for Daxx, obviously. Expertly captured production-wise, with every instrument perfectly audible. Yes! Even the bass guitar is clearly present. Many times, it’s unfortunately buried under the mix. Clearly, Lars from Metallica didn’t mess with this recording.
We sincerely hope the band continues to release music and tour the world for many years. Unlike several other legacy acts who seem to be clinging to past glories, Cheap Trick, up to this point, has shown an extraordinary ability to sustain their joy of playing and the vitality of their music unshaken.
All Washed Up is set for release on November 14.
