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SCREAMING TARTS - VOL. 3. VARIOUS ARTISTS.
Every once in a while, a website comes to our attention that makes us really sit up and be just a little bit jealous. One such is Screaming Tarts, an e-zine dedicated to uncovering the best in glam / sleaze / indie / rock and goth; basically bands that are ignored by the mainstream music press. That they are about to release their third compilation should give a good indication that these people mean business. The first two cds featured the likes of Planet Of Women, Electric Eel Shock, McQueen and Rachel Stamp to name a few; all quality, well - established bands.
The compilation kicks off with the excellent Phluid and their track 'Bang Bang', a big swaggering, balls out rocker reminiscent of The Wildhearts at their exuberant best. Next up are King Lizard with 'Hell Yeah', an unashamedly glam metal song very much in the vein of Motley Crue and recent Corrupted headliners Hooker. I can just see the leopard prints, bangles and head scarves !
This compilation has been compiled in a clever, organic way, the genres slide into each other making for a more compelling listening experience. Starting off with the glam of the two above mentioned bands, it moves swiftly on to the more traditional rock of Mary - Jane and underground supergroup The Alive with their excellent 'Away' with its Pearl Jam influenced vocals and AC / DC style chorus hook. Up next are the plainly weird The Evangelists and 'Microwave Man' a slice of punk Primus crossed with Pere Ubu.
Keeping the the quality level high are David R Black with the awesome 'Signals' which can only be found on this compilation. There's a real depth to this song, big sweeping guitars propel the song on creating wide open spaces for the powerful wailing vocals, excellent. The Renegade Playboys 'Bad Gurlz' is pure cock - rock which isn't surprising considering they have recently supported the likes of The Darkness, LA Guns and Skid Row. For me, it is probably the weakest track on this collection though for many, it will be their favourite. I've just never got into this kind of rock.
Many music fans in the north west will already be aware of German band (I think) Uniting The Elements who have toured the region heavily over the last twelve months. Indeed, they delivered a blistering set at Blackburn's Cellarbar Courtyard festival back in May. Their powerful synth - heavy punk pop well represented here with 'Thank You'.
Punk rears its welcome head here with both Disarm and Starscream, the latter's 'Scenester' a rabid mess of distorted hook - heavy guitars and processed beats.
'Creepy Track' award goes to The Visions with 'Morrissey's Tongue', a gentle tale about The Moz slipping his tongue into your ear !
Devilish Presley turn out one of the best tracks here with 'Black Glitter', great Brian Molko style vocals, razor sharp guitars and as catchy as the 'flu.
Surprisingly, the standout track of this excellent compilation is also one of the least noisy. Catfish Scar's 'Scarred' really is a trip into the dark side of a damaged psyche. The band featuring Johnette Napolitano from Concrete Blond, Will Crewdson (Rachel Stamp), Sultan and Gabriel Ramirez - Quezada from Maria Fatal use the drums and distorted guitars sparingly preferring intense vocals and electro - acoustic sonic soundscapes. Don't get me wrong, this song rocks but only when it needs to.
If you love rock in all its dark, sleazy forms then you 'll already be aware of Screaming Tarts. If you aren't, what are you waiting for ? Released on 31st July, the cd is available through the Screaming Tarts website and represents shit - hot value at just six quid. Any promoters or bookers reading this would do well to purchase a copy, it is an indispensable guide to some of the best bands currently gigging in the U.K.
The Cheesepress says 'Hell yeah !'
Johnny Asshole