Crashdiet have been forerunners in the re-emergence of sleazy rock n roll throughout Europe defining their own sound then re-inventing it as everyone else caught up.
Of course this was always going to be a different album to ‘Rest in Sleaze’ as in the two years since, the band have endured numerous hurdles including the death of singer and founding member Dave Lepard (R.I.P). In essence ‘The Unattractive Revolution’ is a symbolic closing of one chapter and the beginning of a new.
From the outset first single ‘In The Raw’ proves that theory. When I initially heard this track on MySpace I wasn’t convinced but it has since grown on me and seems to be that kind of song for most people. ‘Falling Rain’ immediately stands out as a great song. It builds up slowly then kicks into a commercial style anthem that’ll have you singing along through the chorus. At one point H. Olliver Twisted rips into an almighty siren like scream.
‘XTC Overdrive’ shades it as my favourite with a strong groovin’ chord progression and another anthem style sing fest these guys are so good at. It’s a very close throw back to previous Crashdiet material and how Mr. Twisted goes up a level and then some at the end is still a mystery to me.
Of the songs Mick Mars collaborated on ‘I Don’t Care’ is the best. It has that signature Mars sound in the riffs and reminds me a little of Motley in some areas. Hard and fast just how we like it! An equal second with ‘Falling Rain’. ‘Alone’ is a little different, slower and repetitive through the chorus. Lyrically it’s dark and obviously they tried to match it with an epic musical style. I think they achieved that and probably once I see the video clip (on YouTube) this song might take on more significance for me.
‘Bound to Be Enslaved’ ‘Die Another Day’ and ‘Like a Sin’ are the other three to really get me going. They’re all pretty flat out and I keep finding new hooks in these tracks to keep me coming back.
H. Olliver Twisted in my mind has been a great choice to take over the vocals. At times he can sound very similar to Dave but he brings his own energy whilst keeping it Crashdiet. He reaches some glass shattering high notes and the band contributes well with some really good harmonies.
‘The Unattractive Revolution’ has a progressive nature and genre hops deep within the texture of the music including elements of pop, glam, punk, metal and of course sleaze. On the whole this is a very mature effort that’s understandable considering they had some enforced growing up to do. The lyrics, now mainly written by Martin Sweet, feel more personal and edgy than before and I’d say that although it’s a more polished production, this is a harsher sound backed up by the fuzz and distortion hanging over the whole record.
It’s hard to top the success and standard of ‘Rest in Sleaze’. Naturally there are going to be those who say the debut is better but the circumstances surrounding that album don’t really apply to ‘The Unattractive Revolution’. For a start, yes ‘Rest in Sleaze’ was excellent, but it also caused such a stir because nothing new like it had come out for over a decade.
What I’m really trying to say is, there’s no point walking sideways. The band is in a different place with a new singer and ultimately its surprise, surprise… different! I don’t feel you can easily compare the two in terms of quality and what sounds like what because you really can draw a line between them. Just know it’s new, refreshing and it rocks! Definitely one to add to your collection.
Visit: www.crashdiet.org – www.myspace.com/realcrashdiet
Dirty Rock review by ‘Jonni Starr’ 2007
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