The easiest comparison here is to Blondie. That said, this is more like the early side of that band, the punkier, rawer edged stuff. That’s a good comparison to me because I love those albums. If you like that era of Blondie’s catalog, give this a try. You should like it, too.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015 Volume 6 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Masterstroke
In a lot of ways this makes me think of early Blondie – the first couple albums. There are some cool layers to this and the song really rocks in an alternative way.
Tearjerker With more of a 50s rock and roll edge to it, this is again quite like Blondie. It’s perhaps more like something that might have made it onto the second album than the first. Yet, this has a bit rawer edge in some ways.
Perfect Battle Cry With some country and rockabilly in the mix, the vocals drive this more into the Blondie territory. Parts of the music almost feel like CCR to me. Other parts have a bit of a punky edge. This is more variety and a lot of fun.
Winter Dolour I love the catchy chorus on this song. Beyond that, though, it’s not a big change. As solid as this is, though, who cares?
Too Late A harder rocking tune, there is definitely a punky edge to this. In some ways, this almost feels like a cross between Blondie and the Runaways to me.
Next To Nothing This is a good song, too, but it’s a bit too samey. It’s just not special enough or unique enough to really stand out. That said, it does have a bit of a 1950s music edge.
Kiss of Life There are some particularly intriguing shifts and changes here. The little Americana section is one of those. Beyond that, it’s not a lot of difference from the rest of the music. That said, there is enough here to make it stand out.
Candlelight
For some reason, this song makes me think of Radiohead’s “Creep” just a bit. Add in the Blondie elements, some 50s music and a more modern alternative rock sound. You are probably pretty close to what this sounds like.
One False Move Here’s another song that’s a modern take on classic pop rock sounds. It’s just nothing all that special, really.
Please Don't Touch With some punk in the mix, this isn’t a big change or anything particularly special. Still, it’s reasonably effective.
