TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2007
Shes a fox in a box and she wants to rock/let her rock
Sometimes, but not always, the best way to figure out the vibe or mood of an album is by looking at the cover. The cover of Get The Gore by the Gore Gore Girls (named after the 1972 film directed by Herschell Gordon Lewis) features a white background with a guitar next to the legs of a woman (presumably lead vocalist and guitarist Amy Gore) in a pair of black high-heel boots. The picture could not have said it any better. Get The Gore is a record that comes right out of the box, never letting up its genuine discharge of welcomed noise.
The girls start the album with a bang. Fox In A Box (with some lyrics mentioned above) features blazing guitars, handclaps and a pounding drumbeat. Songs like Loaded Heart and the sleazy Pleasure Unit continue the visceral attack much to the enjoyment of this listener. Their blend of 60s girl group pop sensibilities and harmonies and late 70s punk attack conjure up the spirits of the teenager thats still in us, wanting to bounce off the walls and have a good time.
Featuring a tight rhythm section with Nicky Styxx on drums and Carol Anne Schumacher on bass, the grooves of the girls never let up while Amy Gore & Hammer never waste a moment on their guitars. The music compliments Amys strong, brash, bratty and assertive vocals perfectly, especially on songs like Dont Cry, which is one of the most upbeat-sounding breakup songs I have ever heard.
The girls let up a bit on their attack with the psychedelia of Where Evil Grows, but its right back to the ruckus with Casino. A song, which deals with having a queasy feeling about a significant other, never sounded or felt this good. With the girl-leaving-the-small-minded-small-townisms of Mary Ann, you realize that the Gore Gore Girls are true girl power. Screw that, power period.
In a way, Get The Gore makes you nostalgic for a time many of us werent even alive for. Short songs, short solos, a back to the basics approach that packs a wallop. This kind of music should remind people what rock and roll is missing. - Stephon Johnson
