Alicate – ‘Too Bad To Be Good’

(Pride & Joy Music)

There’s something deeply satisfying about an album that knows exactly what it wants to be and doesn’t waste a second pretending otherwise. Too Bad To Be Good, the latest from Alicate, falls squarely into that category, a proud, polished slab of good old-fashioned melodic rock that wears its influences on its sleeve and still manages to sound fresh, vibrant, and completely alive.

From the outset, Alicate make their intentions crystal clear: this is music built on big hooks, soaring vocals, and the kind of guitar work that doesn’t just fill space, it drives the songs. If you’ve been craving an album that taps into that classic late Eighties and early Nineties melodic rock spirit without sounding like a museum piece, you’re in the right place.

The first thing that hits you is the production. It’s clean without being sterile and punchy without being overbearing. Every instrument has room to breathe, yet everything locks together with a tightness that gives the record a real sense of momentum. The guitars crunch and shimmer in equal measure, switching effortlessly between muscular riffing and more atmospheric textures. Meanwhile, the rhythm section lays down a rock-solid foundation that keeps everything moving forward with purpose.

But let’s be honest, melodic rock lives and dies by its melodies, and Alicate absolutely deliver on that front. This album is packed with choruses that feel instantly familiar in the best possible way. They’re the kind of hooks that sink in after a single listen, the kind you find yourself humming hours later without even realizing it. There’s a real craftsmanship here, a clear understanding of how to build tension, release it, and then hit you with that satisfying payoff.

Jonas Erixon’s vocals deserve special mention. There’s a warmth and clarity to the delivery that fits the material perfectly. No unnecessary theatrics, no over-singing, just a confident, expressive performance that knows when to push and when to pull back. The result is an emotional connection that feels genuine rather than forced, which is exactly what this style of music demands.

What really elevates Too Bad To Be Good, though, is its consistency. Too often, albums in this genre start strong and then fade as they go along, but that’s not the case here. Alicate maintain a remarkably high standard from beginning to end, with each song contributing to the overall feel of the record rather than acting as filler. There’s a sense of flow that makes it easy to listen to the album in one sitting and then immediately want to start it over again.

Lyrically, the album sticks to themes that will be instantly recognizable to fans of the genre: love, longing, resilience, and that ever-present sense of living in the moment. But rather than feeling clichéd, these themes come across as timeless. It’s a reminder that sometimes, it’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about making sure it rolls as smoothly as possible.

Another standout aspect is the balance between energy and restraint. Alicate know when to hit the gas and when to ease off, creating a dynamic listening experience that never feels one-dimensional. The more upbeat moments are full of drive and attitude, while the more reflective passages add depth and contrast. It’s this push-and-pull that keeps the album engaging from start to finish.

There’s also an undeniable sense of joy running through the record. You can hear it in the performances, in the way the band leans into the melodies, in the confidence of the arrangements. This isn’t a band going through the motions or chasing trends, this is a band that genuinely loves what they’re doing, and that enthusiasm is infectious.

‘Changes’ kicks things off with purpose, setting the tone through a confident blend of punchy guitars and a hook that immediately sticks. It’s an opener that feels both welcoming and assertive, pulling you straight into the album’s melodic core.

‘Too Bad To Be Good’ leans fully into the record’s identity, balancing attitude with an undeniably catchy chorus. There’s a slight edge here that gives the track extra bite, making it one of the more memorable early moments.

‘One Shot’ keeps the momentum rolling with a driving rhythm and a sense of urgency. The band tighten everything up here, delivering a focused, no-frills rocker that thrives on its energy and directness.

‘Save Our Love’ shifts the mood slightly, bringing in a more emotional, heartfelt tone. The melodies are front and centre, and the performance carries a warmth that adds depth without losing the album’s overall polish.

‘Right Here Right Now’ feels like a statement piece, anthemic, uplifting, and built around a chorus that practically demands to be sung along to. It captures that classic melodic rock spirit perfectly.

‘Mysterious’ introduces a subtle change in texture, with a slightly moodier atmosphere underpinning the arrangement. It adds variety without straying too far from the formula, showing the band’s ability to stretch their sound just enough.

‘For Now’ acts as a breather, dialling things back in favour of a more reflective approach. It’s measured and controlled, giving the album a moment to reset before pushing forward again.

‘Don’t Turn Around’ brings the energy back up with a confident stride. There’s a sense of determination in both the instrumentation and vocal delivery, making it a standout in the latter half.

‘High On Livin’’ injects a dose of pure feel-good energy. It’s vibrant, upbeat, and carries a sense of joy that’s hard to resist—exactly the kind of track that reminds you why this genre works so well.

‘Run’ closes the album on a strong note, combining urgency with a polished melodic finish. It wraps everything up neatly, leaving a lasting impression and reinforcing the album’s consistency from start to finish.

For longtime fans of melodic rock, Too Bad To Be Good will feel like a homecoming. It hits all the right notes, literally and figuratively, without feeling dated or derivative. For newer listeners, it serves as a perfect entry point into a style of music that often gets overlooked in today’s landscape. Either way, it’s an album that deserves to be heard.

If there’s any criticism to be made, it’s that Alicate play things relatively safe. They’re not trying to reinvent the genre or push it into uncharted territory. But honestly, that feels like missing the point. This album isn’t about breaking rules, it’s about celebrating them, refining them, and delivering them with style and conviction.

In a musical world that often seems obsessed with the next big thing, there’s something refreshing about a band that simply aims to get it right. And on Too Bad To Be Good, Alicate get it very, very right.

This is melodic rock done properly – no gimmicks, no shortcuts, just strong songwriting, great performances, and an understanding of what makes the genre tick. For fans, it’s exactly what you want it to be. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.

9/10

Essential Track – ‘One Shot’

Review by Woody