Beauty is the first victim,
DesperadoI must admit that I'm not all that familiar with the Norwegian music scene. Aside from the fact that every other week in Kerrang! there's an article about a different singer from a different Viking-metal band getting a life sentence for turning his wife into a gourmet feast, my knowledge of Scandinavian music is limited. Fortunately, Desperado is here to prove that not all music from the land of longboats and extortionately priced beer is about devouring your beloved.
Sounding like a cross between The Hives and The Blood Brothers, with more than a hint of 1970s punk, 'Beauty is the first victim' proves to be an exciting and unique album. From the opening verse of 'All Hat, No Castle', Desperado creates a grimey punk sound, through the use of power chords, lo-fi recording and Thomas Ryjord's instantly recognisable vocals. At times their music can sound formulaic, with songs like 'Persistent Descent', 'The Frame' and 'Heritage from Hell' sounding all like they could have been written in the same afternoon. However, Desperado is ready to throw a few curveballs, and this is proved when their music takes a more chaotic turn in 'Walls don't have colours' as well as the album's title track.
There are a couple of more sombre songs present here as well. 'The day emo died' is a more melancholy affair than the rest of the album, and provides a nice interlude from the chaos of the other tracks. Also, the album's close 'Plastic Century Mantra' follows the same ideas, although sounds more progressive and still has its moments of insanity. Overall, 'Beauty is the first victim' is a rather good little album. Desperado has definitely found their own unique sound, and manages to make up for some bland moments by doubling the intensity of tracks further on. It's an album with its own its own character, all the while still being able to fit nicely into the punk/hardcore genre. Well worth a listen.
Andrew
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