In the 80’s & early 90’s I used to go to lots of gigs and the headline act would more often than not have a great support band who would then go on to headline their own tour 6 -8 months later. The last time I saw such a good support band was when Stellarstar played Leeds and they fetched an unknown band The Killers with them. Then a week later they release “Somebody Told Me” and the rest is history.
I went to see Killing Joke in Sheffield this week and was expecting much from the support bands but always try to hear 2 or 3 songs from them. I was blown away by how good The Crying Spell were that I decided to buy all their CD’s.
Disgraceland – The Crying Spell is already going to be one of my top albums of 2012. Here’s my review.
1. Broken Night With Juliet -Opens the album with a bang – a perfect pop wave song awash with melting guitars with lots of reverb & chorus, a very tight bass and programming which fit’s the drumming like a glove. Very catchy vocal delivery
2 .Envy – Is more rock and the bass line reminds me of classic Ghostdance with possibly a hint of The Cult circa The Electric album. Great vocals again.
3. Hot Secret Hotel – The song weaves its way like a snake through your head with some killer guitar hooks very catchy lyrics which will have you singing along.
4. Back to Eden – Has a hint of “wicked game” but this just shows the wide range of song writing and varied guitars in the band. Damn catchy!
5. Lipstick Crush – A beautiful love ballad which captures the spirit of The Cure’s pop classics.
6. We’re On Fire – Love this track, definitely my choice for a single. A great track to dance to in a club or bopping around your room. Infectious lyrics with amazing musical delivery. You will be on fire!
7. Butterfly Hurricane – This would be my second choice for a single. Slightly more coldwave with exquisite programming more obvious and complimented by some luscious guitars. Tight drums and bass make the perfect dark pop song.
8. Android Lust – Feverish bass line. A hint of early Billy Idol . Very epic. Very 80’s. Would make a great single! You will dance.
9. Midnight Supernova – Yet another bullet of pop wave burning through you head. Bop til you drop!
10. Dead War – A slight drum roll then Bang! The charge of a soaring guitar. A chorus to bounce and sing along to. Wow! Destined to become a live classic.
11. Born On The Bayou – No its not a country classic but a very nice rock wave ditty.
12. Moving In Stereo – Again sees the programming more to fore so a bit more wave electro but no less epic.
13. Under The Milky Way – One of my favourite songs by “The Church” for me this is as good as the original whilst still having a rich vein of The Crying Spell flowing through it.
14. Zombie – a cover of “The Cranberries” classic which captures the beauty of the original but explosive bursts of The Crying Spells brilliance.
This album is definitely an 11/10 one and will appeal to fans of 80’s wave guitar music, early U2, The Bravery, The Cure, The Killers. An epic album which the band more than match live so go see them supporting Killing Joke or wait for their next tour as headliners!
So agree! I saw them in Bristol and bought all their CDs too – can’t wait for their own tour!
A Fantastic Description of an incredible band from The extremely Happy of Extreme Drummers Joy Grins (Chase Culp)to The Energetic Charismatic front man (Lenny Hotrum) for all his Huge Emotion in Motion Stage presence and the Incredible Beautiful Balance of Bass (Jason Phraner) and Guitar Mastery (Eric Snyder) for some of the most thought provoking sounds to hit your ears to sooth and at the same time excite your mind! It’s kind of a trip back to music that makes emotions think for you while having an eargasmic experience.
The music is Rock & Soul to the Heart, Mind and Body. If you haven’t seen them I suggest you pick up some tickets soon as they hit your town or better yet don’t even wait and book a flight, Bus, train or get a Bicycle and make a show but if that’s not an option,,,,, Grab Their Discs and spin some Electricity to a better place in mind.
Love is Electric, Surge the power Positive!
[No Honesty, No Play]
I’ve seen them many times and it just keeps getting better….
Hi my friend! I saw them in Florence (ITALY) last sat and couldnt agree more with all you wrote. Had a chat with Len (singer) , hope they keep it cool and do not become big headed! 11/10 Spot on!!
Nice guys, saw them in Hamburg a few weeks ago. Much better than Killing Joke, actually…. 🙂