Think of your favorite band. You know the one that makes you smile when you hear the first few notes of their song or the one that makes you scream your voice hoarse at their live shows. Well press the mental erase button on those has-beens and prepare to meet your new favorite band. Robert Smith fans read something else. You won't get it.Sex Slaves are the epitome of rock & roll. They have it all. You want attitude? This New York three-piece has it in spades. You want the tunes? Take one listen to any of the songs off their 2005 release Bite Your Tongue or their brand spanking new collection Wasted Angel and you'll be escorting your neck to a chiropractor in short order.
I've waited four long, long years for another blast from Eric 13 (vocals, guitars), Del Cheetah (bass, vocals) and J/Bomb (drums, vocals) and I was beginning to get scared. With such a strong act to follow (Tongue), there was absolutely no way that they could duplicate it. And I have to say they haven't. (dramatic pause) Happily, they've taken things to another level.
The secret is easy (for them at least) --- simply concentrate on great songs. The record starts out absolutely on fire with "Long Live the Dead" --- great verses and awesome chorus. The band sounds armed and ready for this one as they crank it out with almost military precision. Right from the first note, you note the torqued up production which makes the sound fuller and more in your face.
"Sssssay What?" comes up next and it shows the familiar side of the band, smart-ass, party mongers that you don't want to introduce to your girlfriend. Absolutely infectious, I keep this on repeat for good stretches of time.
While there is no denying that some of the songs on Wasted Angel are less snotty than on the previous record, the direction is welcomed. Been there and done that. However, don't think for a minute they have mellowed, "Fuk 4 Luv" is typically nasty and the laugh-out-loud funny "Cheap Imitation" shows that (bad) boys will be boys.
Displaying their considerable abilities, the band absolutely kills on the formidable "I Live at Night" and "Beautiful Embrace". Switching gears, the guys offer another side to Sex Slaves --- the contemplative singer-songwriters showing them to be more than just trophy-kill road warriors. "Just a Memory" is simply beautiful and "Mexico" is one of the record's highlights --- excellent!!!!
"Liquor Store Romance" is another great song and for some reason I'm getting a Cheap Trick / Twisted Sister vibe from it – more Trick than Sister though.
Eric 13 shines throughout as his vocals are the centerpiece (along with the awesome songs) of the outfit but the synchronicity of the entire band is the glue that holds everything together. Of special note, Del and J/Bomb's vocals are really integral to the mix, supporting without becoming Queen-like. The only minor disappointment is with the slightly glossier production, the grit of Del's bass is lost on this record, except perhaps it didn't fit the sound of the songs this time out.
With Wasted Angel, Sex Slaves have followed up a really strong record with an even stronger one. The songs are top notch and are equaled by the performances. Thanks for not letting me down, boys!! If you're a fan of the band, you'll be stoked to shell out your bucks for this release and if you're a newbie, there is no better place to get familiar with the band than this.
