Chandeliers in the Savannah,
Neon BlondeNow this is an odd record. Not odd in a bad way, just odd in a 'this-is-clearly-written-for-their-own-gain-as-a-side-project' kinda way. Featuring Blood Brothers’ vocalist Johnny Whitney and drummer Mark Gajadhar, this is a drug-induced, 70s-inspired record that was clearly written with David Bowie's glam rock greatest hits blaring from the speakers. It's so steeped in synth rock and dance that you half expect a disco ball and a Boogie Nights backdrop to come free within the booklet.
Any Blood Brothers fan will immediately recognise the vocals - Whitney has an inimitable style and Neon Blonde is cut from the same cloth. While the music is far less aggressive, it's still spazzy and idiosyncratic and caked in dancey drum patterns and keys that come straight out of a Brian Eno song. For all its oddness, it's musically impressive - although not my thing at all. 'Crystal Beach Never Turned Me On' is pretty hot, while the dance-fueled 'The Future is a Mesh Stallion' could possibly become a clubbing hit.
As an experimental side-project Neon Blonde hit the mark. Each song is exciting and different, twisting and turning through a variety of different sounds and interests. It's different to Blood Brothers yet also a little bit similar, although mainly in the vocal department. And while I can't say this is something I will end up listening to on a regular basis, you have to admire the quality of the songwriting and the adventurous nature of the musicianship.
www.purevolume.com/neonblonde
Dim Mak Records
Paul
