When it comes to naming bands that qualify for an induction into the “Hollywood Survivors Hall Of Fame” only a selective few make the grade. One band that definitely qualifies is the Lizzie Grey led Spiders & Snakes. Spiders & Snakes was formed out of the ashes of Ultrapop at the tail end of the 1980’s and since their humble beginnings the guys have released a respectable 7 albums. But the thing that has earned the band its place among the true survivors of the Hollywood scene is the fact that they have always stuck to their musical guns (a mix of ’70’s glam rock in the vein of Alice Cooper, The Sweet and Bowie and the LA sunset Strip sound of the ’80’s). And they continue this fine tradition on their latest offering “Melodrama”.
On previous album “Hollywood Ghosts” the band chose to mainly slow things down a bit and treat us to more laid back, atmospheric tracks but this time around they’ve gone for the rockier approach. And this has resulted in one of the finest platters of this foursome since their first release “Arachnomania” back in 1990.
Opening up the disc is the title track “Melodrama” which is in fact a short intro that makes way for the big, pounding drum beat of the real first tune “Friends Like You”. The best way to describe this song is “’70’s Alice Cooper on steroids”. Every piece of this cut simply fits from the aforementioned drum beat, the guitar melody and solo to the stadium sized chorus. This fine piece of music does what every good opening tune should do and that’s go for your undivided attention. Up next is a “cover” of one of the band’s own songs “Fear Of Flying” which first appeared on their “Arachno 2” platter.
“Rock And Roll With You” is Lizzie’s way of honouring the sounds of both T.Rex and The Sweet while “The Way” is the disc’s first ballad but don’t expect a sugar-coated affair. No this a far darker tune in the vein of Alice’s “Welcome To My Nightmare”.
On the up-tempo “Shoot Me Down” bassist Phil St. Vincent steps forward to handle lead vocals and he acquits himself very nicely from this task. The guitar work of mister Grey on this track shows shades of both Ace Frehley and Mick Mars.
Continuing the disc is a rousing version of the Bay City Rollers classic “Yesterday’s Hero”, followed by the rockin’ “Kicks” that sees the band using a bit of Hammond organ to spice up their sound and the acoustic led “Another Lonely Day” (the album’s second ballad).
On “Dream Girl” the band tips its collective hat to the Thin White Duke ( part of this song is very similar to Bowie’s “All The Young Dudes”) while the piano/keyboard induced “Forever” brings the show to an end.
But the excellent sonic content isn’t the only thing that makes “Melodrama” an essential purchase. As a bonus the guys have added a DVD featuring 8 tracks shot during the band’s gig at LA’s Key Club in 2006, an interview with Lizzie and Timothy (taken from the upcoming “Hollywood Rocks!” movie) and a slide show dedicated to the band’s late bassist Leigh Lawson. Add to that beautiful artwork that catches the essence of the album’s title and you have the kind of package that is simply too good to ignore. (
PS)
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