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Blacklist Union

Til Death Do Us Part

Review by Gary Hill

Gothic rock and things like Ozzy Osbourne and Godsmack are heard here. At times even Cheap Trick seems a musical reference. Then, when you consider there’s a cover of an INXS song, you really start to grasp the range here. This is high energy and quite fun. It’s a strong disc.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2013  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Til Death Do Us Part

Gothic rock based, parts of this are mellower while other parts rock out hard. It’s a good tune and a great way to start the album off in style. There is a killer melodic crunch guitar solo in the piece.

Alabama Slammer

Powered up and fun, this is less Gothic. Somehow there’s a bit on emo edge to this. It also leans towards metal at times. Frankly, I don’t think it’s as strong as the opening tune, but it’s still pretty cool. The guitar solo section has more of a rock and roll vibe to it.

Blown Away

This is an awesome tune. It’s more of a metal number and it has some killer musical textures and sounds to it. I’d say this is the best tune here.

Game Over
Just more of a straight ahead hard rock song, this is not that great. Of course, it loses something just following “Blown Away.” It seems a little too modern in terms of production, meaning it will probably seem dated in a few years. Still, it’s catchy and fun.
Same Ol'pressure

At times the vocals on this one make me think of Ozzy Osbourne with Black Sabbath. Musically, there is a bit of a comparison to be made there, too. That said, I’m also reminded a bit of Marilyn Manson. It’s another of the better tunes here. It’s got a cool hard rocking riff. It’s also got some parental advisories in terms of the lyrics.

Diggin' 4 Gold
This riff driven rocker feels to me like a cross between Ozzy Osbourne and Godsmack. It’s high energy, catchy and quite cool.
Feed the Snakes

Based more on a rock and roll riff, the vocals here seem to leave something to be desired at times. Still, the more stripped back and somewhat raw arrangement is a nice bit of variety. The chorus is another thing that reminds me of Ozzy Osbourne quite a bit.

I Do

There’s a moody, Gothic section to this. There’s also a harder rocking portion. That harder rocking one somehow makes me think of a heavier version of Jane’s Addiction. All in all, this is a cool song, but not really one of the standouts.

Don't Change

More light hearted, this is almost like a heavier Cheap Trick to my ears. It’s a good song. It’s a nice change and it’s quite cool. There is definitely a bit of a 1980s vibe to this. Of course, since this is a cover of the INXS song, that makes sense.

The Lick Kitty Split Theme Song

Parts of this are incredibly heavy. It’s another that makes me think of Ozzy Osbourne’s solo career quite a bit. It’s another high energy, smoking hot tune.

I Don't Love You Anymore

They close the set with a power ballad. While this song is cool and a good bit of variety, personally I think it would have served the album better some place closer to the middle of the proceedings. All that said, it works reasonably well as the closing shot.

 
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