Nothing suggests a band is a promising prospect like seeing them take much practised and respected English lexical rules into their own hands and name a track ‘Definately Hate Me’. It seems that self-proclaimed ‘Rock’n’roll punkabillies’ STRAIGHT RAZOR ANGELS are looking to break boundaries with their language rebellion rather than their music if their latest self-titled release is anything to go by.
‘On the Pull’ is evocative of what American pussy-purveyors Steel Panther would be gladly embarrassing themselves with if the only music they had on tour was a recording of various members of Cage The Elephant crying. The tragic difference is that Steel Panther intend to make you cringe and giggle uncomfortably – Straight Razor Angels on the other hand make even the likes of Cher Lloyd seem flawless. ‘Russian’ tells the tale of wasted days and having but a care in the world, but not before a long winded, uninteresting assault of first-guitar-lesson riffs. If there was anything for Straight Razor Angels to worry about, it would be the concept of who actually compromises the market for this blend of slowed down, unattractively messy Alzheimer’s rockabilly.
Closer ‘Well Runs Dry’ is not only the much sought after end to this largely unappealing aural attack, but also sees an uninspired and overly-dramatic tempo change and the groups attempted-signature blurry, echoed vocals. Please, for the benefit of undeserving souls, go back to class Straight Razor Angels. English may not be your strongest subject, but I think you need to work a little harder in music too.
OLIVIA JAREMI