‘Widows Bloody Widows’ is a collection of Black Cross‘ earlier work, under the moniker Black widows (which they were forced to change in an American Nightmare-esque legal threat, though with not quite the same degree of awkwardness). As such, it’s not quite up to the standard set by Black Cross‘ last full length, ‘Art Offensive’, but then when the standard was previously so high, you can hardly forgive them for not quite refining their art in the ‘early days’.
B-Sides/rarities collection are, on the most part, rubbish, even when it comes to top quality bands, but sometimes you get one that bucks the trend, and ‘Widows Bloody Widows’ certainly does that. Coming across a little like From Ashes Rise arm-wrestling with Black Flag while a number of heavier post-hardcore bands look on in admiration, for the most part, this is a great collection of songs. ‘Roll Up your Sleeves’ is a cracking little opening number and while ‘Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner’ drags a little, the quality is soon returned with the almost garage rock-like swagger of ‘Black Sheep’.
This is frenetic, energetic and other words that probably end in –etic that point to the same sort of outcome. High pitched screamy vocals dominate the mix with the rough and ready guitars buzzsawing a path for them to follow. Old-school style guitar patterns are interspersed with frantic little breakdowns and guitar flourishes (‘Selling Point’) and hooks big enough to hold your interest considerably.
If you’re a fan of this band, or anything in this style, then this is essential. If you haven’t heard Black Cross, start with ‘Art Offensive’ and work your way onto this. If you’re not interested in the slightest, come back when you’ve grown some balls! Or something…..
Ross