They may still have the freshness of a new band, but The Dead Daisies collective has been in operation for 13 years, and with their audio output continuing at a voracious rate, it’s time for their latest release, Lookin’ for Trouble.
The Dead Daisies – Lookin’ For Trouble
Release Date: 30 May 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
Something a little different on Lookin’ For Trouble, though, as The Dead Daisies move away from their own creative processes to add their own stamp on a selection of songs that have provided influence on the various members of this ever-changing chameleon of a rock band.
Unsurprisingly, it is a homage to the Blues, as singer John Corabi explains. “The blues had many names back in the day, and they all had unwarranted negative connotations. But considering the influence the blues have had on EVERY genre of music we listen to, with the exception of classical, I would refer to it as ‘The Soul’ of music today.”
Lookin’ For Trouble is an enjoyable listen from start to finish, with the band in fine form and Corabi giving his typically gutsy vocal delivery throughout.
In fact, the more you listen to this album, the more you can hear the creativity that is soaked through the band. Now, I’m not a huge fan of Corabi. I preferred Glenn Hughes, but there is no doubt that his swagger works ideally with the songs here.
The rolling stomp of John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom is a guaranteed crowd pleaser, with plenty to get the audience moving, whilst the band’s take on Ram Jam’s classic Black Betty is one of the better-known ones here and hits the mark.
Elsewhere we have plenty of opportunity for the band to show their chops, as if they were needed. Doug Aldrich, for example, is hardly a hidden name, and his playing is fiery as always when needed, although he demonstrates a more restrained approach at times.
The man is clearly happy about how the album came out. “Lookin’ For Trouble is a cool, fresh take on some Blues that we love,” he said. “We put a new spin on the tunes, and it came out really awesome. We did the whole thing at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. It was incredible to record in such hallowed blues ground.”
Alongside Aldrich and Corabi, there remains the reliable presence of David Lowy, as well as bassist Michael Devin and the powerhouse drummer Tommy Clufetos. The band show that they can do rowdy but also take it back for a gloriously relaxed version of BB King’s The Thrill is Gone, which allows Aldrich and Lowy opportunity to play some fantastic, heartwarming guitar.
They may be new spins on old classics, but you still need to be able to give the songs your own stamp. Crossroads has been covered hundreds of times, but the version here contains all the grit you have come to expect from The Dead Daisies.
Even the grand Finale, Little Red Rooster, works here. In fact, Lookin’ For Trouble is an album that works on every level. With excellent production, which allows the band to retain a little bit of dirt, there’s something for all to enjoy here.
It will be interesting to see if any of these make their way onto the band’s setlist in August when they tour Europe and the UK. If they do, that will be sure to get those audiences moving.
The Dead Daisies release Lookin’ For Trouble on 30 May 2025 via The Dead Daisies Pty Ltd / SPV. For more details, visit TheDeadDaisies.com.
